Fewer secure parking places and higher crime rates add up to a greater load on to your motor insurance premium, and many insurers can simply decline cover.

Here are some tips that may help to reduce your car insurance premium;

• Make sure your car is kept in a secure area, if possible a locked garage or private car park with cctv security.
• Consider a smaller vehicle, or perhaps one that is not effected by congestion charges such as hybrids or electric cars.
• Upgrade your car's security. Get a professional to install a recognised alarm system.
• Build up and protect your no claims bonus.

Apart from London, people from cities such as Leeds, Birmingham and Manchester might find themselves paying a higher premium for motor insurance.