According to recent research, from a financial website, specialist insurance that is provided for female and older drivers is not always the best option.

Research from the website found, for example that a 30 year old, woman driving a Ford Focus, who opts for a women-only brand will pay an average £622 for annual cover, compared to £388 on average from traditional providers; this is an increase of 60 per cent. Female motorists opting for Diamond could find themselves paying £780 a year - an increase of £392.

Specialist cover policies not always the best option

Andy Leadbetter, managing director of insurance at the financial website, said: "Specialist insurers such as Sheilas' Wheels and Diamond may appear to be a better value alternative for women - catering specifically for their motoring needs. Our research however shows it pays to scour the whole market for the best value policy to suit individual circumstances; paying almost £400 over the odds is an unnecessary expenditure.

"Specialist insurers do offer added benefits such as handbag cover, female-friendly garages, and a 24 hour roadside emergency helpline, but I advise Brits to weigh up whether these additions are actually worth the extra money - it shouldn't cloud your judgement on getting the best value motor insurance."

Further to this, the research also found that older drivers could be, being “stung” by specialist insurance as well. For example, a 60 year old male driving a Ford Focus, could find himself paying on average £431 with a specialist insurer, compared to £234 on average from a traditional provider – an even bigger increase of over 80 per cent. Older drivers choosing a policy with Rias could pay £456, compared to £194 with the insurance provider, Swiftcover.

He concluded by saying: "Our research reveals older drivers must also be wary of paying more than necessary. It's quick and easy to compare insurance and find a quote online. I urge motorists to shop around, across the whole market, to ensure finding the best cover to suit their needs."

Handbag cover still necessary

Female drivers were however informed that with 400,000 handbags being stolen from vehicles last year, adequate cover for the bags would be ideal.

Research from the women’s car insurance provider, Diamond found that an estimated total value of £178million a year was lost, due to handbags being stolen.

The insurance provider recommends that women should not leave anything of value insight, when they are away from their car, even if it is worthless, it could still look valuable to a thief. Also leaving a handbag underneath the seat is not a wise hiding place, as this was said to be the first place a thief will look. If it must be left in the car, Diamond suggested locking it in the boot, where it is out of sight and harder to reach.

Sian Lewis, managing director of Diamond Car Insurance said: "It's shocking to see just how many handbags are stolen each year from cars, and that shows exactly why you should never leave your bag on display in your car."

Lewis added: Thieves will be on the look out for easy targets so however stressed out and rushed you are, you should never leave anything on show in your unattended car that could attract a potential thief. Can you imagine losing your bank cards and mobile phone when you need them the most?"