Specialist insurers for women and older drivers do not always provide the best value option for motorists

(21/05/2009)

According to research from moneysupermarket.com, a 30 year old woman driving a Ford Focus who opts for a women-only brand will pay an average £622 for annual cover, compared to £388 on average from traditional providers – an increase of 60 per cent. Female motorists opting for Diamond could find themselves paying £780 a year – an increase of £392.

Andy Leadbetter, managing director of insurance at moneysupermarket.com, said: “Specialist insurers such as Sheilas’ Wheels and Diamond may appear to be a better value alternative for women - catering specifically for their motoring needs. Our research however shows it pays to scour the whole market for the best value policy to suit individual circumstances; paying almost £400 over the odds is an unnecessary expenditure.

“Specialist insurers do offer added benefits such as handbag cover, female-friendly garages, and a 24 hour roadside emergency helpline, but I advise Brits to weigh up whether these additions are actually worth the extra money – it shouldn’t cloud your judgement on getting the best value motor insurance.”

The research also found older drivers could be stung by specialist insurance as well. A 60 year old male driving a Ford Focus could find himself paying on average £431 with a specialist insurer, compared to £234 on average from a traditional provider – an increase of over 80 per cent. Older drivers choosing a policy with Rias could pay £456, compared to £194 with Swiftcover.

Andy Leadbetter continued: “Our research reveals older drivers must also be wary of paying more than necessary. It’s quick and easy to compare insurance and find a quote online. I urge motorists to shop around, across the whole market, to ensure finding the best cover to suit their needs.”

Motor insurance for a 30 year old female teacher driving a Ford Focus:

Insurer - Premium:
Swiftcover - £367.14
Auto Direct - £398.21
Halifax - £399.33
Average: £388.23

Specialist - Premium - Additional Benefits:
Sheilas' Wheels - £454.01 - Up to 75% no claim discount; Free courtesy car; Handbag cover up to £300; Free counselling service; Repairers all work to female-friendly guidelines.
More Th>n (Women’s Driver's Ins) - £632.21 - Priority assistance in emergencies; Mobile phone locator; A courtesy car within 2 hours; Handbag and shopping cover; Free replacement child car seats after an accident; Female Friendly garages for repairers; Vehicle history checks facility; Counselling after accident.
Diamond- £780.60 - Free courtesy car; Free handbag cover; Add a partner to your policy;
Free European cover included with policies; Flexible payment options; 24 - hour roadside emergency helpline;
Average: £622.27

Motor insurance for a 60 year old male head teacher driving a Ford Focus:

Insurer - Premium:
Swiftcover - £194.34
LV= - £244.83
esure - £263.18
Average: £234.12

Specialist - Premium - Additional Benefits
Intune - £222.05 - Up to 75% discount when you have at least 5 years no claims.
Saga - £406.91 - Cover when driving in the European Union at no extra cost;
Replacement car for up to 14 days; Emergency any driver cover; Discounted Saga breakdown assistance when added to your car insurance policy.
RIAS - £456.41 - Protected no claims discount; 24 hr claims line; Free courtesy car; Fast repair service; Extra personal accident cover.
Average: £431.66

Related categories:  Car insurance 

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