Safe Speed Forums

Women drivers can pay more than £80 a year extra for car insurance than men once they hit 60, a study has found.

Historically, women have been known as more careful drivers than men, so allowing them to get away with paying less to insure their cars against accidents and bumps.

However, research suggests that women suffer a drop off in their abilities behind the wheel once they become pensioners.

The tipping point appears to be 60 with men proving to be safer and more expert, with the result they end up paying less than women.

A Which? spokesman said: ‘Women may think they pay less than men for car insurance, but in fact the reverse becomes true as they get older.’

The consumer group used a price comparison site to get quotes from five leading car insurers for a man and woman of 60 with the same car, same address, no-claims history and driving experience.

However, they found it could cost a woman as much as 28per cent more than the man in the same circumstances.

The point has also been made in discussion on this on another forum that anyone doing under 6,000 miles a year has a relatively high accident risk as they're not doing enough driving to "keep their hand in".

The point has also been made in discussion on this on another forum that anyone doing under 6,000 miles a year has a relatively high accident risk as they're not doing enough driving to "keep their hand in".

...and then there is the proposed equality legislation which threatens to stop insurance companies using gender as a factor in setting premiums.

It is said that young men will see a dramatic reduction in premiums whle girls will take a big hit. In reality, we all know that, if this goes through, everyone will be charged at the male rating.