Drivers in the UK are rethinking their relationships with their vehicles to try and reduce their car insurance premiums, new research has shown.

According to a survey of 1,300 drivers by Swinton Car Insurance, 55 per cent of drivers now own a car which is more than four years old.

Up to 51 per cent who had previously considered purchasing a new vehicle during 2009 have decided to hold on and continue driving their current vehicle due to the ongoing economic issues in the UK.

Steve Chelton, insurer development manager of Swinton Insurance, said it is understandable that many motorists are cautious about spending a lot of money on a brand new car when the financial health of the UK is as poor as it is.

"With many families feeling the pinch it may be tempting to cut costs by avoiding repairs, but it is important to keep your car well serviced as unless your car is completely road-worthy you may have problems making a car insurance claim," he added.

Meanwhile, the Cooperative Insurance has warned continuing rises in car insurance could lead to an uninsurable generation of drivers.

Couples who tie the knot following Valentine's Day could save as much as 16 per cent on their car insurance if they add their partner to the premium, new research suggests.

Findings from confused.com show that the average saving among the top ten car insurance agents is estimated at £34.

The survey showed that the reduction could be made with by drivers changing their details to reflect newly-married status and pledging to share their car with their partner.

Will Thomas, head of motor insurance at Confused.com, said: "Weddings are expensive affairs; however, it is some consolation that a new married status could save drivers up to 16 per cent on their car insurance premiums.

"Yet, while there are some great deals to be had, shopping around for the best deal is essential as some insurance providers are less competitive in this field than others."

Figures from Sainsbury's Bank predicts that car insurance customers made a total of 45,000 claims during the recent snowy weather.

Car insurance customers weigh up the attributes of a prospective partner through the state of their vehicle, one repairs expert has claimed.

According to Kwik-Fit, those car insurance customers who keep their vehicles in good shape have more chance of attracting a secret admirer.

Results from a study by the firm showed that 44 per cent of females are likely to fall for someone based on the vehicle compared with 40 per cent of men.

Further findings from the company showed that more than three quarters of a million women have gone out with a man purely because they liked his car.

David White, customer services director at Kwik-Fit, commented: "Whilst many people strive for a honed appearance to attract the opposite sex, it seems this can often count for little if their car is unreliable and has filthy paintwork, an oil leak and bald tyres.

"So motorists who don't look after their cars may well be disappointed when the postman comes this Saturday."

The Royal Automobile Club Foundation has warned car insurance customers to drive carefully on Valentine's Day.