The Northern Ireland Assembly faces renewed calls for an inquiry into the cost of motor insurance in the province.

The Northern Ireland Consumer Council has called on the assembly to investigate increases in the cost of motor premiums for 17 to 22-year-olds.

The council said the cost of motor insurance for drivers in the youngest age bracket have risen by 64% over the last year, making it more expensive than the rest of the UK.

It said young men were typically paying around £3,000 for an annual policy, which was on average £300 higher than in the rest of the UK.

Northern Ireland Consumer Council policy and education director Aodhan O'Donnell said: "We need to look at why the market isn't more open and why there's not more players in it which could offer more choice and competition for consumers.

"We also need to look at what level compensation and personal injury claims are being paid out at. So we need an investigation into the legal process too."