Manual workers are regarded as higher risk, it suggests. However, this is just one of many factors looked at when giving a quote. For example, age, gender, address and driving history are all taken into account.

By changing the occupation, online car insurance quotes show how the same person can be offered very different costs.

A quote of 713 pounds was given by one supermarket insurer for a professional applicant. However this increased to 793 pounds, for the same person, at the same address but a manual worker.

The AA says the highest rates are paid by sportsman and not surprisingly footballers. They are young, male, are likely to have speeding points and drive luxury cars. Some players pay in excess of 10,000 pounds per year in premiums.

Accountants are likely to pay the least in car insurance premiums. They are classed as being careful as their job involves them to be careful with other people's money.

Solicitors, IT consultants, shop assistants and civil servants are also in this cheaper group, according to the AA.

These groups are based purely on statistical evidence, looking at previous claims. Low risk groups are seen to be putting themselves and their cars to fewer risks.

Where you are leaving your car rather than the way you drive it may put you in high risk category, according to the AA.

Pub owners who leave their car near the pub are at higher risk due to drunken misbehaviour. Nightclub staff is also high risk due to leaving their cars in higher crime areas at night.

Some occupations are associated with certain types of lifestyle. Due to their irregular shift patterns, airline cabin crew who drive home after long flights and leave their cars for long periods of time are charged more. They could have an extra 5 per cent added while accountants may get a reduction of 7 per cent.

Insurer's interpretation of jobs makes a big difference. Research of 11 insurers' show that quotes varied from 6 to 60 pounds, between annual premiums, for an accountant and cabin crew.

The AA found, however, that 15 insurers charged the same regardless of occupation.

Some insurers go into much more detail than just professional and manual.

For example, a fictional man , 30 years old, driving a family saloon, living in London and working as a solicitor is quoted by a major insurer 481 pounds per year. As a school teacher 498 pounds is quoted, however, working in a fast food restaurant increases the premium to 550 pounds. Finally, a hospital porter would pay 573 pounds that is 92 pounds more than the solicitor.

The system refuses to give a quote for an unemployed status.

How big a risk are you?

Low risk

Shop Sales Assistant

Civil Servant

Admin Clerk

IT consultant

Accountant

Solicitor

Mechanic - providing SDP only

Medium risk

Sales Agents/Insurance agents Painter/Decorators/Builders

Self-employed

Electricians

High risk

Self-employed

Commercial Traveller

Casino Employee

Gaming/Night-club employee

Security guard

Publican

Journalist

Very high risk

Fashion photographer

Models

Professional sportsperson

Casino owner

Night-club/gaming owner

Entertainment profession