Don't be lured by ‘female friendly' cover

Specialist insurers, for women and older drivers, do not always provide the best value option for motorists, says moneysupermarket.com.

Research from the UK's leading price comparison site found 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."