The cost of car insurance is falling by over 7% after years of steady rises, according to a survey.

Average annual comprehensive insurance in spring (April to June) this year was £797 - a 7.1% dip on the spring 2011 figure, says the survey by Confused.com and professional services company Towers Watson.

But despite the fall, men on average are still paying £110 more than women on their car insurance.

Biggest winners from the fall in prices are the elderly, with drivers aged 71 or more not only paying the least (£426 a year) but also enjoying the biggest year-on-year dip - 8.8%.

There were also big falls in the amount young drivers have to pay, but at £2,491 the price of comprehensive insurance for a 17-20 is higher than for any other age range.

The price for these novice drivers also varies depending on where they live and what sex they are.

The average price for 17 to 20-year-old male drivers in Manchester/Merseyside is £5,394, yet male drivers in this age range pay a more modest £2,999 in Central Scotland.

Women aged 17 to 20 are quoted £1,878 on average for comprehensive insurance, while men of the same age suffer average insurance quotes of £3,596.

Regionally, the west of England has seen the biggest fall in prices, as average premiums for comprehensive cover dropped by 10.5% in spring 2012.

Gareth Kloet, head of car insurance at Confused.com, said: "Competition between car insurance providers is currently very high.

"We anticipate that drivers will continue to reduce their annual mileage as a result of high motoring costs and seek cheaper vehicles in their search for more affordable cover."