LIVING in rural areas of North and East Yorkshire could save you pounds on car insurance, according to a survey by the AA.

Out-of-town car owners have less chance of their vehicle being broken into, vandalised or involved in an accident with high-density traffic.

Whitby was the cheapest place in Yorkshire, at £282, followed by Selby and Thirsk, both at £285.

But keeping your car in Filey could prove costly at £303, and the average Northallerton insurance comes out at £314.

In West Yorkshire, prices soar as high as £528 in Batley, and £531 in Wakefield - more expensive than the average Greater London insurance price of £496.

Andrew Briscoe, managing director for AA Insurance Services, said: "Motorists may not wish to move house just to get cheaper car insurance, but they can reduce their costs by up to a third simply by shopping around. A good broker will check the market for a more competitive quote and offer alternatives at renewal time."

Updated: 08:52 Thursday, April 10, 2003