New-car owners have been advised that the value of the UK's top-selling cars could be falling by as much as £510 a month.
Price comparison site uSwitch advises that the UK's best-selling car, the Ford Focus Style, depreciates by 43 per cent in its first year, amounting to a sunk cost of £6,470.
The Vauxhall Vectra was found to suffer the highest level of depreciation, losing 58 per cent of its value in the first year.
Ashton Berkhauer, insurance expert at uSwitch.com, said: "Despite the rapid depreciation of new cars, insurers are generally sympathetic certainly in the first year of ownership."
As well as advising people to look carefully at depreciation when buying a new car, he also states that buyers should shop around
car insurance providers to make sure they get a deal that provides value for money.
What Car? offers a service that allows vehicle-owners to compare the rates of depreciation of up to four cars, with the aim of allowing customers to make a more informed decision regarding future purchases.
InsureandGo offers a range of competitive
car insurance policies to suit many different types of vehicle.