Manchester's female drivers hit by insurance premium hike following new EU legislation
Manchester female drivers are seeing an increase in car insurance in the face of new EU legislation.
The European Court of Justice ruling will affect millions of women across the EU from 21 December 2012, causing premiums to rise.
Asia Yasir, spokeswoman for Sheila’s Wheels and esure, says that the increase in premiums does not fairly reflect women’s traditionally low risk as drivers or the cost of their claims.
“The company believes that car insurance has historically been designed ‘by men, for men’,” she added.
According to the Confused.com/Watson Car Insurance Price Index, women aged 21-25 have seen price increases of 4.7% in Manchester, compared to a 3.6% increase for men.
Older women drivers in Manchester, aged 66-70, have seen their premiums become almost double that of men; 9.7% for females compared to 5.7% for males in the area.
Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com, said: "Overall we've seen insurance prices come down marginally but, some women are seeing significant increases in their premium.”
There are fears that the hike in car insurance policies for Manchester motorists might harm local businesses.
Head of Pink Ladies Taxis, a female only taxi-hire firm, Gina Dutton, feels that women’s car insurance premiums should reflect their excellent record on the road.
She said: “I just think they’re trying to put small businesses out of work; to be honest it’s just going to make it impossible for people to be able to trade anymore.”
Many people are turning to alternative methods in order to combat the price boosts.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists in Bolton are a group who offer a £139 driving course that can knock hundreds of experienced driver’s insurance policies.
Institute member Hugh German feels that women should not be given any special treatment.
“Women get lower rates as they have fewer accidents but obviously, it’s not as straightforward as that. There are several factors; they don’t drive as much or as far. It’s got nothing to do with gender,” he said.
ANGRY TWEETER: One unhappy Manchester female driver
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