By Joe McCann

DRIVERS in Ards and North Down have seen some of the highest increases in car insurance costs anywhere in Northern Ireland, according to new figures.

New data from car insurance comparison companies shows average premiums in the borough rose by 9.5 per cent over the last three months, with Ards and North Down being twinned for the highest increases with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon.

However the borough and Causeway Coast & Glens remain the two cheapest in Northern Ireland, with the average cost of insuring your car in Ards and North Down rising from an average of £547 in the first quarter of 2026 to £599 in the second quarter of the year.

The rise comes as the average cost of car insurance across Northern Ireland increased by 6.4 per cent during the same period, bringing the regional average premium to £664, meaning drivers in the borough are still around £65 better off than drivers elsewhere.

At the other end of the scale, Mid Ulster recorded the smallest increase at 2.7 per cent, followed by Derry City and Strabane and Fermanagh and Omagh, where premiums rose by 3.2 per cent. While overall insurance costs have continued to climb, younger motorists have seen some relief.

Drivers aged between 17 and 24 are now paying an average premium of £1,303 across Northern Ireland, representing a six per cent fall over the last quarter and the lowest average cost for the age group since July 2023.

However, Northern Ireland remains the second highest region for car insurance for young drivers, second only behind the Greater London area. Some of the reasons cited for the region’s high costs include higher claim costs and poorer road safety and infrastructure.

Within Northern Ireland, four council areas have average insurance costs of more than £2,000 for teenage drivers. Although Ards and North Down remains among the least expensive council areas for younger motorists, average premiums for young drivers in the borough are still above £1,500 per year.