According to research undertaken by Moneysupermarket.com, in certain cases female only insurers such as Diva, Diamond, Ladybird and Women on Wheels maybe more expensive when it comes to buying insurance cover than ordinary car insurance companies. In addition, it is claimed that these specialist insurers may be more selective in the type of insurance risk they are willing to take on. For example, driving history and no claims bonus may determine whether you are even eligible for a quote.

The research looked at the average of over half a million women car insurance quotes and then looked at two scenarios such as a female teacher aged over 30 and over 45 and compared quotes between women car insurance companies and ordinary insurers. The average cost of a premium from the specialists was found to be £733 which is significantly more expensive than policies offered by traditional car insurers.

Whilst this research is sure to grab headlines, it is true that all insurers are selective regarding the risks they take on and this ultimately determines whether they are competitive for individuals seeking quotes. Also, as Moneysupermaket.com point out, women only insurers also provide additional cover such as handbag cover and priority assistance during emergencies as well as useful information regarding driving safely. Lastly, if motorists shop around for car insurance quotes at renewal, it is worth considering that the levels of cover may differ significantly in addition to payment options.

It emerged last week that Tesco is pressing ahead with plans to capture further market share over the course of the next few years in both the household and car insurance sectors following the formalisation of its partnership with Fortis (UK) Ltd.

The new partnership with Fortis effectively ends Tesco’s relationship with RBS-owned UKI Partnerships who previously provided underwriting and claims management services. Tesco claims that the new deal, which runs until 2015, will allow greater responsibility by the retailer for products, including pricing, sales, marketing and customer service. In addition it could mean a further 1500 new jobs will be created.

The deal also benefits Fortis in terms of consolidating its position as one of the major home, van and car insurance companies in the UK. It is estimated that a further 1.7 million customers will be added to Fortis’s existing customer base of around 7 million customers. The net effect of this would mean Fortis insuring over 2 million of the cars driving on Britain’s roads.

Only time will tell whether this new partnership is beneficial to Tesco customers, but what is clear is that this will come as a major blow to UKI partnerships who are owned by RBS, the consequences of which could result in a number of job losses.

The AA

The results of a survey of over 21,000 AA members in early August has revealed that roadside distractions are responsible for a worryingly high number of accident claims submitted by UK motorists. Five years ago it was revealed that two thirds of men and yet only 10% of women admitted to being distracted by an attractive person either in another car or walking along the road. In 2009 however, the figures for women have more than doubled to 25%, whereas the figure for men shows a modest rise to 70%.

Other roadside distractions claimed to have caused problems for drivers involved in this survey reveal the Angel of the North sculpture, low flying aircraft passing over, billboard advertising, wind turbines and roadside art such as decorative horticultural arrangements on roundabouts.

According to the AA an increase in rear end car accidents during the summer months is largely attributable to roadside distractions, although this is not a reason readily admitted by policyholders making such claims. What is not stated in the survey is that there are more cars on the road than there were 5 years ago contributing to increased traffic congestion and therefore the likelihood of an increased number of roadside distractions.