Unemployed drivers hit hardest as car insurance premiums soar to £1,265 in 2025

Unemployed drivers are now paying the highest car insurance premiums in the country, according to new figures from comparison site Quotezone.co.uk.

At £1,265 per year on average, premiums for unemployed motorists are 91% higher than the UK national average of £664—making them the most expensive group to insure in 2025.

The data, drawn from over 100,000 insurance policies, also found healthcare assistants (£1,064) and warehouse workers (£1,063) faced significant costs, despite year-on-year drops. Accountants, delivery drivers, and company directors all sit well above £1,000, highlighting how job type can influence risk assessment.

Greg Wilson, CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, said job title terminology can affect quotes:

“Worryingly, unemployed drivers are now the most expensive to insure… This could be because UK unemployment stats skew younger, with less experience and greater associated risk.”

Wilson advised that slight changes in job title wording—such as choosing “Care Assistant” over “Healthcare Assistant”—may impact pricing, as long as descriptions remain accurate and honest.

While some roles saw insurance reductions since 2024, many still exceed national averages:

• Chefs dropped £328 to £951
• Warehouse workers fell £308 to £1,063
• Healthcare assistants decreased £277 to £1,064

At the other end of the scale, structured work and driving experience are rewarded:

• Civil servants (£495), teachers (£532), and HGV drivers (£556) enjoy premiums up to 25% below the average.
• The latter benefit from company vehicle usage and specialist training, lowering risk in the eyes of insurers.

Meanwhile, retired drivers saw the sharpest rise in premiums this year—up nearly 50% to £733—possibly due to age-related health conditions and increased vulnerability.