EU rejects equality laws in motor insurance

Posted :11-11-2004

The European Union has blocked moves to make it illegal for insurance companies to offer women cheaper car insurance.

In a move that is set to benefit women across the continent, EU politicians rejected proposals to prevent insurers taking gender into account when underwriting insurance premiums.

It had been feared that, if the plans had been carried through, the changes would have severely upset the UK market.

Welcoming the decision, Martin Oliver, managing director of Kwik Fit Insurance Services, commented: "Women generally pay less than men for car insurance because statistics show they are safer drivers."

He pointed out that young women often get a better deal than young men, although older men are usually considered to be safer drivers.

Mr Oliver was pleased that the EU has decided not to go ahead with the scheme, because he did not think it would benefit anyone.

He insisted that the market is fair, despite the apparent gender imbalance, adding: Customers in the UK generally get a good deal for their money when it comes to car insurance.
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