The Labour party claims EU non-discrimination rules taking effect in motor insurance at the end of this year could cost the average woman driver £362 a year.
Under the new rules, insurers cannot charge different prices solely on the grounds of gender. Labour claims insurers may simply increase premiums for women to match those of their male counterparts, which would mean an average £362 hike.
In practice, the changes may be both more complicated and less severe. Most industry analysts believe the new prices will be somewhere between the current rates for men and women, though it's unlikely they'll simply split the difference. It's also yet unproven how competition in the market will limit the price hikes.
The effects on women could also vary immensely. Young women will likely face the most severe hikes as their gender no longer acts as a "modifying" effect on their perceived risk levels as a young or inexperienced motorists.
It's also been noted that couples who share a policy may be affected in different ways. Premiums for policies with both a main and a named additional driver will likely change depending on the gender of the current main driver.
