Motorists in Bradford are continuing to be hit with high insurance premiums, with one driver quoted more than £5,000 to renew his policy.

Bill Witney, 61, of Thorncroft Road, Wibsey, saw the cost of his premium rise by £4,431 in the space of a year.

The self-employed antiques dealer had paid £579 to insure his van in 2009, but when it came to renewing the policy this year he was quoted £5,010.

Mr Witney, who eventually found a policy with another insurer for £622, said: “I was absolutely shocked. No wonder it’s cheaper for people to drive without insurance and face a fine if they are facing fees like that.

Bradford saw the biggest hike in car insurance premiums in the country in 2010, with prices rising by almost 60 per cent, according to comparison website Confused.com.

Average premiums rose by 58 per cent – or £349.70 – in the 12 months up to October, compared to an average of 38 per cent across the country.

Malcolm Tarling, of the Association of British Insurers, said: “Insurance premiums have been rising quite considerably over the past year due to the increased costs to insurers.

“Firstly the cost of settling personal injury claims has risen, legal costs add about ten per cent. Insurance fraud is another problem that adds around 30 per cent per year on motor insurance premiums. Lastly, around three per cent of drivers are uninsured, and accidents involving these drivers are costing insurers £500 million every year.”