Government and ABI signposting deal not working, says Age UK

Age UK research has found that older people still face discrimination when they try to buy car insurance, despite a recent signposting agreement between the government and the ABI.

The agreement was introduced in April this year, and said that insurers will redirect customers turned down because of their age to other companies that may be able to find insurance, such as Biba. Yet Age UK research found that 85% of people aged 80 and over were not directed on.

Age UK’s research found that  21% of people aged 80-plus were not given phone or online quotes for motor insurance because of their age. The research also found that 85% of those in the same age category who were initially refused motor insurance were not referred on to other insurers or Biba.

The survey involved 205 older people aged 60 and over shopping for phone or online quotes from 39 insurers. Age discrimination is legal in UK insurance.

Age UK charity director general Michelle Mitchell said: “Despite the government’s welcome commitment to end age discrimination, this survey is powerful evidence that it still exists when it comes to getting car insurance.

“We call on the government to commit to an early review of the exclusion of financial services from the Equality Act so older people are judged on their individual abilities and not simply on their date of birth.”