THE Borders has made it into the top 10 for the cheapest car insurance in Scotland, according to new research.

Car specialists at Macklin Motors have ranked local councils in Scotland according to the lowest average insurance premiums.

Analysis of all 32 local authority areas indicates that Orkney Island residents are saving the most on their insurance in Scotland and paying an average of £440 for annual coverage.

But the Borderers pay similarly cheap insurance premiums, costing an average £454.12 for the year, with the region coming in fifth in the national Top 10.

Earlier this week, consumer champion Martin Lewis urged drivers never to auto-renew their car insurance policy as it could end up being the most expensive way to buy cover.

Instead, the financial guru urged people to check at least two comparison websites 23 days before their renewal is due as that’s the ‘sweet spot’ for getting the cheapest quote.

Commenting on the research, a spokesperson from Macklin Motors said: “With the average cost of insurance continuing to increase in the UK, owning a car can sometimes feel demanding. But there is positive news for those living in the Orkney Islands, Moray and Angus, with the average insurance premium below £450.”

Top 10 average annual car insurance premiums in Scotland:

  • Orkney Islands – £440.41
  • Moray – £446.73
  • Angus – £447.35
  • East Lothian – £450.66
  • Scottish Borders – £454.12
  • Aberdeenshire – £456.86
  • Perth and Kinross – £463.26
  • Highland – £465.98
  • East Dunbartonshire – £471.14
  • Dumfries and Galloway – £472.18