When it comes to attention to detail women are the wiser sex - unless those details relate to car insurance.

A recent survey has revealed that women are far more likely to check the fine print on products than men - and are even twice as likely to do so on food and drink. However, when it comes to car insurance males lead the way with 56 per cent of men reading through the policy document thoroughly compared to 50 per cent of women.

Perhaps it goes back to the old image that men are more interested in motoring than their female counterparts. It applies to technology too because men are also more likely to examine the fine print of a broadband contract, a mobile phone or a cable agreement.

However, with more than one million Brits having an insurance claim refuted in the last 12 months, it's vital you check the small print regardless of your gender. When it comes to car insurance many people see it as an unfortunate legality and therefore only search for the cheapest deal they can find. This has been furthered by the growth of price comparison websites, which encourage users to make savings.

Nevertheless it's certainly worth reading through the policy's terms and conditions before you apply for car insurance. Look out for exclusions, such as the circumstances in which a payout will be granted, and consider what you will get if an accident does occur. For example, do you want a courtesy car or will onward travel to your destination be sufficient? Are you covered for acts of vandalism as well as theft?