The average car accident in the UK costs around £415 – almost as much as a year’s comprehensive insurance, which costs around £459.

According to research by price comparison website MoneySuperMarket, a driver’s premium can increase by up to 9% – the equivalent of £69 – at the time of renewal.

The data shows that over a third of drivers (37%) have been involved in an accident in the last five years. One in five (19%) have paid up to £100 on top of their policy for repairs and related insurance costs, while a quarter (24%) have paid between £201 and £400. A further tenth spent between £801 and £1,000.

READ MORE: Why is my car insurance so expensive?

The most common repairs were to the paintwork (45%), bumpers (39%) and headlights (29%).

Although 37% of drivers have been involved in an accident in the last five years, a quarter (25%) of them have not made a claim with their insurance company.

An analysis of over 14 million car insurance enquiries found that medical professionals are the most likely to make a claim following an accident. More than a quarter (28%) of psychiatrists’ enquiries included a claim, followed by general practitioners (27%), pediatricians (26%), hematologists (26%) and claims adjusters (26%).

READ MORE: Car insurance costs are falling for most drivers across the UK

Drivers aged between 25 and 29 are the most likely to make a claim to their insurer following an accident (16%). Younger drivers aged between 17 and 19 are the least likely to do so, with only 4% of enquiries resulting in a claim.

Accidents, which potentially drive up premiums, could explain why a quarter of drivers who have an accident do not make a claim with their insurer, explains Dave Merrick, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket.

“In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to make a claim than to cover the costs yourself. Whatever you decide, you should always tell your insurer. Most policies have a clause that requires you to report all incidents, regardless of who is at fault. Failure to do so may void your policy,” Merrick said.

READ MORE: How to avoid an unpleasant separation from your car insurance

“It’s really important that you choose the right insurance cover for your needs because an accident can happen anytime, anywhere. The most popular type of insurance is fully comprehensive, not only because it covers drivers for most eventualities, but also because it is usually the cheapest type of insurance, with the average policy costing £459.

“If you want to save money on your car insurance, don’t automatically renew your policy without shopping around for a better deal first. Take control and compare prices today – you could save up to £270.”