Male drivers 'perceived as higher risk by insurers'

Male motorists are viewed by insurance firms as higher risk and are consequently charged considerably more for cover, new figures illustrate.

Produced by moneysupermarket.com, they show that men pay on average 71 per cent more to secure policies than women, while males in their twenties pay up to 112 per cent extra.

The typical annual cost of cover for a man in the UK is identified by the price comparison site as £886, while for a woman it is £517.

Responding to the findings, Steve Sweeney, head of motor insurance at moneysupermarket.com, said: "Many insurance companies view women as safer and more mature motorists and this is why their premiums are not only cheaper but also decrease with age at a much faster rate."

However, drivers who shop around for deals each year will achieve the best-value insurance regardless of their age or gender, he added.

Earlier this month, Confused.com cited Motor Insurers' Bureau statistics which indicated that five per cent of drivers in the UK do not have cover in place.
ADNFCR-2353-ID-19452287-ADNFCR

10/11/2009 15:02

News category:

Return to News