They're in their early 20's, freshly out in the world and earning good money, driving flashy cars that are absolutely dripping with expensive extras. Who are they?

They're the latest "in crowd" women. They are demonstrating their freedom, independence and individuality and are apparently earning the money to fund their ladette lifestyle. Their souped-up cars with their throaty sounding wide exhausts, fancy spoilers and alloy wheels can be heard approaching from a distance by the drumming of the full-on car stereo. Quite clearly they intend to stand out from the crowd and the crowd can hardly ignore them. Figures released recently tell us that 18 per cent of women drivers in the 21 to 25 age group are driving these cars with their costly modifications and specialist trims, normally associated with male drivers.

The resulting increase in car insurance premiums in this group of drivers is hardly surprising. Their cars with their flashy modifications and expensive extras certainly attract attention and in all probability it's not the sort of attention their drivers would choose to seek. Thieves are attracted to these flashy and expensive cars. The extras alone are tempting and easily re-sold on the second hand car accessory market.

Car insurance in general is falling and this is true for women in particular. Women generally have fewer accidents, do less annual mileage and are considered less aggressive drivers than their male counterparts.

Because of these statistics, insurers are very happy to insure female drivers. There are companies specializing in this market and there has been a great deal of advertising in the press and on television. All these companies are vying for business and have their own specific niche markets. There are carefree girlie groups, very posh middle aged women and young mums featured in the 'ads. These specialist insurers can't be relied on to offer the best deals, though, not matter how attractive the 'ads or catchy the tunes. In all probability you'd find a much better quotation for your insurance by going to one of the internet brokers who'd come up with comparative quotes for you. You need to compare the cover, of course, but they'll check out all that for you too, and even offer an on-line discount in the bargain.

Should the trend for flash and extras extend across the market, then certainly insurance premiums would show a marked increase, making it doubly important to shop around.

Incidentally, it's the loyal customers who tend to get left behind in the best premium stakes. It's very easy to get into the pattern of sticking the renewal notice behind the clock until more or less the day the policy is due to be renewed and then a quick call to the insurer and your insurance money is committed for another year. Spend a little time (and it really is very little) to find an on-line broker who'll come up with some choices for you. If the price isn't beaten, there's nothing lost and you can remain loyal to your insurer. All the information the broker will need will be there on your renewal notice.

It's worth the trouble. Honestly.