Awful

Women Drivers Can’t Catch A Break In The European Union

Well, this is interesting. In the United States many believe that women are better drivers than men (with some studies suggesting that gentlemen are three times more likely to earn a DUI). Overseas in Europe, however, ladies received an unforeseen smackdown in the form of a recent ruling on insurance premiums, one that may force up to a quarter of young female drivers off the road. A new EU ruling set for December 21 will make it illegal for gender to determine car insurance premiums, leading to potentially lower premium costs for men and skyrocketing costs for women.

Some women who have become aware of the news (the EU hasn’t been exactly broadcasting this change) are considering given up their cars all together to avoid the headache of high payment plans. Men, however, will see their premiums stabilized or dropping dramatically. While on the one hand the EU ruling does nominally ensure equality, the reality is that women in particular are losing out.

A PR rep for the ABA (Association of British Insurers) shared a statement for the drivers soon to be affected by the change: 

“It is important to remember that the insurance industry fought against this ruling for nearly a decade, but now that we are where we are, insurers are gearing up to offer premiums that are as fair as possible”. An insurance specialist from AA also shared golden tip of advice for the young ladies specifically, who will be affected the most: “If you are a young woman who has just got a licence, you should get insurance now.”

For women, it looks as if the EU is prepared to walk all over them in the name of “fairness.” Although an emphasis on equality is laudable, the dramatic price increase for women is the other side of a double-edged sword, and they will have to aggressively research which insurance companies are going to gouge them the least when the new rule goes into effect. It sure doesn’t sound like equality to me.

[Photo via Shutterstock]

TAGS: Car Insurance | European Union | Female Drivers

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