Gender Equalisation FAQ

Insurers use gender as a risk factor when calculating car insurance premiums. This is based on statistical and actuarial information that demonstrates that male drivers, particularly those under the age of 25, statistically have worse safety records than their female counterparts. The European Court of Justice however has judged this practice to be in breach of gender equality.

We are opposed to the ruling as we believe that customers should be paying premiums that reflect their risk profile as accurately as possible. However now that it has been passed we are focused on adjusting our systems and fully committed to making the transition for our customers as smooth as possible. Our aim is to offer our customers premiums that are as fair and equitable as possible.

Changes have to be implemented by December 21, 2012. Each country must pass the directive into national law by this date. Some companies may operate on a gender neutral basis prior to this date. As soon as there is clarification on this our website will be updated

The ruling affects all insurance products that factor gender into their risk assessment and premium calculations. Therefore life assurance products and annuities will also be affected by the European Court of Justice ruling.

The area you live and drive, the type of car you own, your age and driving history are some of the other factors that influence your car insurance premium.

Gender is one of numerous risk factors that insurance providers have historically used to calculate motor insurance premiums. Female motorists who have traditionally paid less than their male counterparts for their motor insurance are most likely to lose out financially. This will be particularly true for female drivers under the age of 25 who are likely to see their premiums increase substantially. Inversely male drivers within this same age category may see their premiums lower.

No. The change will only take effect when your car insurance policy falls due for renewal or if you are taking out a new insurance policy. Your direct debit payments will remain as normal until your policy falls due for renewal at which point we will send you out a renewal letter outlining your new premium.

You can look at the other rating factors such as your mileage, vehicle value and adding your spouse to your policy.

Policies such as life assurance are affected by this change. However, it will not have an effect on your home insurance policy or other products such as travel insurance as they do not rate the policies according to gender.

Any drivers named on a policy will be affected by the gender equalization ruling. If the son/daughter fall into the younger driver category (under 25 years) then yes more than likely the daughter will become more expensive to insure and the son less expensive.

The main thing drivers can do is to shop around. We ourselves for example are working on various value propositions for younger drivers in particular. Available to both males and females of course. In relation to cancelling a policy midterm to try to avail of a cheaper rate post December 21st drivers should be aware that they may incur a cancellation fee. Their no claims discount may also be affected.

In cases like these, post Gender Equalization male and female drivers within the scheme will no longer be rated differently once their policy falls due for renewal. The scheme will become gender neutral however the group as a whole can still be awarded a discount/exclusive benefits. In the past male and female members of the scheme would have been rated according to gender. This will no longer be the case.

Any material changes to an insurance policy will lead to a recalculation of the risk profile. At present legally there is no clear definition of a contract however. It is something that the insurance industry are looking for the Department of Justice to clarify in the not too distant future. At present it is open to interpretation whether a Mid Term Adjustment is classified as an extension of an existing contract or a completely new contract. The main objective for insurers by and large on this is to minimize the impact on customer premiums.

In insurance terms the main driver must be the owner of the vehicle and the person who uses the vehicle most frequently. Therefore in a case where a husband and wife share ownership of the vehicle the main driver should be whoever drives the car the most. Spouses cannot pick and choose the main driver on the basis of cost, they must go by usage and ownership.