MOTORISTS in Prestwich are being stung by the highest insurance premiums in Britain.

A survey by the AA shows that drivers in the M25 postal district pay more for their policies than anywhere else in the country.

In its study, the motoring group compared comprehensive cover rates across the country for an average couple driving a Ford Focus.

Prestwich and two other Greater Manchester districts, Middleton and Wythenshawe, shared the highest annual cost of £567. Following closely behind is Chelsea in London, on £564. The national average cost is £360.

Prestwich has a vehicle theft rate of 11.2 per thousand population, lower than in areas with smaller premiums.

However, cost calculations also take into account vandalism and proximity to city areas.

Andy Briscoe, managing director of AA insurance services, said: "The risk of a car being stolen is one aspect of the likely cost facing an insurer.

"Cars in cities are more likely to be involved in accidents resulting in injury or damage, simply because of the density of traffic.

"Urban-based cars also have a greater chance of being broken into or vandalised."

However, Prestwich insurance experts Parkside Brokers said they believed the results were unfair.

Office manager Richard Huntley said: "It does seem a bit harsh and I would personally dispute what the AA are saying.

"As a Prestwich insurance broker we deal with about 20 different companies and see the prices for more than 200 firms.

"I would say that with most companies, Salford, Manchester and many other areas of the country would be more expensive than Prestwich."

But Mr Huntley added that Prestwich could have been highlighted due to a high proportion of compensation claims and high value car thefts.

He said: "Something that we do find a problem is the amount of insurance litigation.

"As soon as somebody has a bump they will go to see a solicitor about personal injury. It is an industry-wide problem, but for some reason this area does have a high prevalence of it.

"In addition, the proximity of the motorway may not help because expensive vehicles, which are stolen to order, can be driven away from the area very quickly."