Drivers in Sheffield are more likely to run into trouble than others in Yorkshire

The area average is just 6.2 years with no claims, according to an analysis by the price comparison site comparethemarket.com.

Across Yorkshire and the Humber as a whole it is 6.5 years, based on car insurance enquiries made by customers between May 2018 and July this year – the second-shortest of England’s nine regions.

Dan Hutson, head of motor insurance at the company said: “Lots of factors are taken into account when calculating a driver’s risk profile but having a higher no claims could be a good indicator that someone takes care while on the road.

“Having more years of no claims could mean that your risk profile is lower, and that you could be offered lower car insurance premiums as a result.

“The size of the car insurance no claims bonus varies between providers, if offered, so it’s as important as ever to shop around for a best deal to suit your needs.”

Hull’s road users fared the worst in the region, only going 5.7 years without a claim, while those in Hambleton came out best, at 7.1 years.

Across the UK, drivers went 6.5 years without making a claim on average.

The area with the worst record overall was Tower Hamlets in London, with just 4.4 years, while it was 7.6 years for drivers in East Dorset, in the South West.

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said the amount of no-claims years we each achieve “isn't just a result of our own care and attention”.

He added: “Much is down to the risks around us and the behaviour of others. So, it is not surprising to see heavily trafficked, tightly packed, densely populated urban areas associated with lower levels of no-claims."

Of the 20 areas where drivers have the lowest average number of years with no claims, 15 were in London.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.