Insurance companies that offer car cover exclusively to women or older drivers may not be offering the best deals on the market, one comparison site has warned.

According to research by Moneysupermarket.com, women-only car insurance companies often require premiums that are up to 30 per cent higher than high street providers.

And for older drivers, the potential difference in premiums is even more dramatic, with one insurer catering for older drivers requiring premiums that are double that of the best offer on the high street.

"Older drivers generally find their cars cheaper to insure, so this gives more scope for insurers to claim they offer better value," explains Richard Mason, director of insurance at Moneysupermarket.com

"But our research has found elderly motorists shouldn't rely on specialist insurers. It definitely pays to scour all of the market for the best cover for your needs."

It was acknowledged, however, that some specialist insurers could provide particular services that may suit some drivers.

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