Estate Agents come top of the list of motorists with the worst accident records - closely followed by community nurses, chefs and doctors, according to new research.

Churchill Car Insurance has analysed its claims data and found a significant difference between certain professions and the likelihood of having a car accident.

In contrast with estate agents, farmers make the least number of car insurance claims and are half as likely to have an accident than estate agents are. In Churchill’s experience, this is because they live and work in rural areas with less congestion, which are more tranquil to work in than the stressful office environment.

The data also shows that ambulance drivers make fewer claims - they drive frequently and are therefore used to all types of road conditions, so are more confident drivers.

Darren McCauley, head of car insurance at Churchill said: "The poorer claims experience associated with doctors and community nurses most likely reflects the long hours they work in a very stressful job. As a result, they are more likely to be tired when driving and possibly distracted. Conversely, those who have jobs which involve working outdoors or drive for a living tend to have fewer accidents."

"Estate agents make lots of journeys in their cars during the day – dashing to see clients in urban areas and often parking wherever they can when they arrive."