Specialist insurers offering less than special prices

Older drivers and female motorists shouldn’t be lulled into thinking a specialist insurer will always offer the best deal, according to research from price comparison site moneysupermarket.com.

For example, a 30-year-old woman with a typical Focus, Astra or Megane will find the cheapest women-only brands will quote her an average of £269 – 55 per cent more than traditional providers at £174. Women-only car insurer Diamond averaged £301 for these scenarios, or 73 per cent more.

Richard Mason, director of insurance at moneysupermarket.com, said: "Specialist insurers such as Sheilas' Wheels, Ladybird and Diamond promote themselves to women as the value alternative, catering specifically for their needs. But our research shows it pays to shop around all of the market. While these insurers may sometimes come up trumps on price, and with extra benefits such as handbag cover, chances are they will be usually be beaten on premiums."

The message is the same for older drivers. A 60-year-old, again with a Focus, Astra or Megane, would pay an average of £88 with Swiftcover and £255 with RIAS – or almost three times as much.

Richard Mason added: "Motorists shouldn't only rely on specialist insurers no matter what specialist group they may be in. It pays to scour the market for the best cover to suit your needs.

"With specialist providers such as Sheilas’ Wheels also entering the home insurance market, there is even more onus on consumers to shop around for the best price and cover."