December is typically one of the best months to buy a car as dealers look to shift stock before the end of the year. But it’s also the most expensive time to buy car insurance, according to data from Moneysupermarket.

The comparison site analysed more than six million car insurance quotes between January 2013 and October 2018 and found motorists taking out a fully comprehensive policy in December pay on average £85 more than those who insure in February, the cheapest month.

Over the past five years, the average fully comprehensive policy taken out in February cost £475.60, while those who insured in December paid £560.80 on average.

Further analysis revealed that fully comprehensive premiums have gone up by £58.60 over the last five years, from £456.93 in January 2013 to £515.53 in October 2018.

Tom Flack, of Moneysupermarket, said: “No matter when your car insurance is up for renewal, it pays to shop around on a price comparison site. You could end up saving as much as £276 a year just by switching insurers.

“Alongside searching to ensure you’re on the best deal for you, it pays not to wait until the last minute: insurers give consumers a 45-day window to renew their policy and often reserve the best prices for those who are organised and don’t leave it late, as they are perceived as safer drivers.”