If you'd give the people the information they're asking for, they can help you lower those quotes.
You can get lower than those prices, forget the media, forget what you think of your area etc. etc.
If you're in your twenties and your postcode is good (if you really don't want to post the first part of it, then go to
http://www.motorcarinsuranceuk.co.uk/post-code-ratings.php and tell us what rating your postcode is.
Then run a quote with admiral or elephant or bell, add two older drivers as named drivers (parents are usually good for this), say you park it on the street (garage is more expensive), set your mileage estimate as low as is reasonable, be creative with your job title as some can be cheaper than others (but keep it truthful).
Try all of that and i'll be stunned if you can't get at least sub £2000, if not sub £1500. Assuming of course your postcode isn't crap.
I was 23 in a Southampton (average rated) postcode when I got this Golf and the equivalent value (I had a polo for a couple of months then changed) for a years insurance with 0NCB was under £1200.