Female motorists urged to shop even harder on price

Sainsbury's Car Insurance is urging women motorists to shop around for car insurance to ensure they get the very best deal available.

The bank believes that many women simply assume that their premiums are cheaper than their male counterparts and that they are therefore automatically getting a good deal. The bank is concerned that these women simply renew their existing policies or when shopping around only conduct a narrow search. Women should be aware that the vast majority of car insurers have always offered women lower premiums than men because, statistically, they are safer drivers.

Research from Sainsbury’s Bank reveals that in January 2006, car insurance premiums for women were on average £61 (12.8%) lower than those for male motorists - £416 compared to £477 for men. In August 2005, the average premium for men was £486 compared to £422 for women.

Will Blackett, car insurance manager, Sainsbury’s Bank said: "Male drivers account for the majority of motoring convictions and young male motorists for example, cause considerably more accidents than similarly aged female drivers. It’s a given that all insurers take this into account and generally provide cheaper quotes to women than men. Women motorists need to be aware that these savings can vary dramatically and should seek a range of quotes — not just from their existing insurer or women only policies.

"When purchasing car insurance, all motorists should shop around to not only find a competitive quote but also excellent cover. Competition in the car insurance industry is intense which means not all policies offer similar levels of cover. It is however possible to find quality cover at a competitive rate."