Car insurance for women

Is women’s car insurance cheaper?

Women have typically been able to find cheaper car insurance than men, this was due to statistical trends showing that men were more prone to car accidents than women. In 2012, however, the European Court of Justice passed the Gender Directive which meant insurance companies were no longer allowed to use your gender to decide how much your policy costs.

That said, female drivers on average still pay around 22% less than men for their insurance. This is due to the fact women tend to drive smaller cars than men with less engine power and often travel shorter distances.

How can I minimise the cost of women’s car insurance?

There are a few different ways in which costs can be reduced:

• Choose your car carefully: As mentioned above, insurers will take into account the type of car you drive when offering you insurance. Typically, they'll look at the size of the car and the engine power to get an idea of potential damage costs if you were to be involved in an accident.
• Don't modify your car: Insurers will charge you more for insurance if your car has been modified.
• Take out a telematics policy: Telematics insurance involves fitting a small black box into your car which monitors the way in which you drive. If you drive safely and sensibly, your insurance will be reduced.
• Increase your voluntary excess: A voluntary excess is the amount you must pay if you make a claim, before your insurance company pays out. By increasing your voluntary excess, you can expect to pay less on your monthly payments. Always make sure you can afford your voluntary excess when you sign up to your policy.
• Pay upfront: Another way to reduce costs is to pay for your policy upfront rather than in monthly payments. Although many choose to pay monthly, you may be charged interest on the instalments, meaning an upfront payment can work out cheaper.
• Reduce mileage: Insurers will ask you for a maximum annual mileage as those with less mileage are typically less likely to be involved in an accident.
• Improve your security: Some insurance providers offer a security discount for cars with a certain type of alarm or with an immobiliser.
• Compare car insurance deals: Whenever you're looking for a car insurance deal, the best way to save money is to shop around. You can use our car insurance comparison tool which will find the best deal suited to your needs.

What car insurance policy do women need?

When looking for car insurance, there’s three main types of cover available. It’s important to consider which kind will be most suited to your needs:

• Third party: This is the most basic type of insurance and is required as a minimum by law. With this type insurance you'll be covered for any injury you cause to another person and any damage to their vehicle or property.
• Third party fire and theft: This includes the basic cover of third-party insurance but also adds extra cover in case your car is stolen or damaged by fire.
• Fully comprehensive car insurance: With fully comprehensive insurance, you'll get all the basic cover of third-party insurance, with added fire and theft policies, but you will also be covered for repairs to your own car as well as for damage to someone else's car or property.

Are there insurance packages specifically for women?

Some insurance companies target their advertising towards women, but this is usually because women are statistically less likely to be involved in accidents. Legally, they will have to offer their policies to everyone. However, they will also typically offer insurance policies targeted at women.

Extra cover aimed at women:

• Priority breakdown cover: With this policy you'll be given priority if you breakdown in a dangerous location, if you're a women on her own or if you're accompanied by young children.
• Child seat cover: This covers you for any damage to your child seat or if it's stolen.
• Handbag cover: This covers you for the contents of a handbag, briefcase or backpack.

Where can I compare the best women’s car insurance deals?

To find the best car insurance deals for women, simply use our price comparison tool. We'll take account of your budget and any extra requirements you may have and find the best deal suited to you.