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It's a stereotypical image of a 40-year-old man to turn to a super-fast sports car to help soften the blow of a rapidly disappearing youth - the problem is this will normally mean higher car insurance premiums too.

New research from a car insurance comparison website has delved into the nation's driving habits - examining the cars that are most popular among certain age groups. According to the survey, a Porsche is the 'mid-life crisis car' of choice - its average owner is typically 39 years old.

However, the survey also highlighted that not all of us feel the need to splash the cash on our motoring when we hit middle age - Nissans, Hondas and Toyotas, generally perceived as safe and reliable cars, are most widely owned by drivers in their late 30s.

So how does this affect our car insurance premiums?

Well there's a lot to be said for avoiding the fast and flashy. Insurers look into the perceived purpose of a vehicle and if you're likely to be racing up the highway, your car insurance premiums will be higher as a result. A safer, more reliable car may not turn heads but it will leave you with more money in your pocket.

Contrary to popular belief however, green cars are not necessarily an insurance solution. The Toyota Prius - the world's most popular hybrid car - is most regularly driven by 50-year-olds. However, car insurance premiums for this vehicle can remain high as hybrid cars are comparatively new to the market and have heightened repair costs.

So if you want to make car insurance savings, the message is keep it small, and keep it conventional.