Tweedpipe

I didn't realize that traditionally in France women pay less for car insurance because according to the insurance companies they have less accidents.
(O.K. guys, we know, we know)........

The European court is now stepping in to put a stop to this sex-related price discrimination, stating that from Dec 2012, tariffs are to be brought into line. (On TF1 midday news, they stated that the tariff increase is to be expected as early as mid 2012). This is also expected to be read-across to retirement assurance benefits, health and life assurance.
Link HERE

What with the further increase in the price of gas early in 2012 (estimated at around +5%), this again will increase the hardships to those already on a tight budget.
That plus current extreme difficulties in the economy and real uncertainties on the future of the euro makes crystal-ball gazing a very doubtful pastime.

Oh, and I see that there will be an Indonesian singer singing for France in the next Eurovision song contest - well they have to do something drastic as they haven't won for over 30 years! Good news though guys; she's a stunning looker - and sings well too.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Anggun.jpg

cjm

Interesting post Tweedpipe, was not aware. Have just switched my car insurance to save around €40. I am assuming there is a loading for the type of car (no interest in assumed value it seems as it is in UK), e.g. a C3 to Merc. My wife is insured on her car with me as named 2nd driver and vice-versa on mine. If we had insured both cars with my wife as lead driver would we have saved under current structure.
I was once advised it is the car that is insured, not the driver, so anyone who is legal can drive it. Was that wrong?

wetwang

I understood the same thing. I have allowed even young legally licensed relatives to drive it.

cjm

Having discussed this matter with friends today, a comment was made that the level of insurance premium levied is based on commercial risk and the factors that influence that risk. If women are less prone to accident than male drivers, in France, for the sake of this thread, then their premium is lower, based on the lower commercial risk. To take it a tad further, I recall in the UK, that publicans were considered a high risk and insurance was levied accordingly (also I am told were jockeys!). So, occupations are a factor, eg a salesman/woman, who spends hours on the road. That is surely a higher commercial risk. The counter to that may be that an HGV driver may be considered a lower risk because of the speed limiter on their tractor unit. So, I do not see where sexism or equality comes into it.

Im_and_Er

Sexism and equality absolutely come into it because the daft EU say differentials based on gender are illegal, even when there are perfectly valid reasons for it.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2011/m...gender-bonkers

This action was brought by some twopenny ha'penny Belgian consumer group who clearly hadn't thought it through too well but that's Belgians for you !

A further, more potentially serious side effect, is that annuity providers can no longer give different pensions to men and women despite clear and unequivocal statistically evidence that women live longer. lt will come as no surprise though that rather than increase annuities for men they will reduce them for women so everybody loses - except the insurance company - but what's new there !

Novocastrian

Shouldn't they just pay everyone the average? (Or is that too much to expect?).

Im_and_Er

Tweedpipe

Good post Er_and_Im! (Now there's sex equality for you....)

cjm

WOW! Just read the Guardian article. Grey cells reeling from trying to understand the thinking. Forgotten about the boy-racer factor. So, they cannot be discriminated against based on their gender. There do appear to be some get out of jail interpretations that could be followed to leave the status quo, but I guess insurers will look at the potential bottom line as a business and act accordingly. And, I liked the reference to male access to maternity services.

Tweedpipe

Wouldn't jockeys be a low risk due to their height - less to get damaged.......

cjm

No, it's 'cos they come up on the inside and jump the lights!