Whilst many studies have shown that women deserve a lower car insurance premium, it is not because they are necessarily "better" drivers.

 

In fact, studies from around the world have shown that women crash more often! But, and this is the important point, because they tend to drive slower than the more aggressive male of the species, they do less damage to the cars and as a result cost the insurance companies less money as a result.

It has also been found that some women would not tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth when speaking to their insurance company. Whether this is the same with men or not it is difficult to say, but certainly there appears to be a bit of 'gamesmanship' or 'gameswomenship' going on when claims are made.

Insurer Liverpool Victoria in the UK has found that a good number of women do worry about other people they let drive their car - like their mum or their best friend!

The extra care that women take of their car can be seen by the number of cars that have names. Calling your car 'Henry' or 'Gerald' may seem a little silly to some but the extra care that this tendency reveals is a good indication of why insurance companies will offer lower prices to women who are seeking a competitive premium.

So much so, that there are specific companies (or separately branded divisions of much larger companies) that are set up to market to women exclusively, such as Sheilas' Wheels, Diva Car Insurance and Diamond Car Insurance that offer such specials as handbag insurance.

These companies then compete with each other as well as the mainstream insurance companies to give the best deal for women seeking car insurance. Of course, as with everything, the devil is in the detail and the policy differences may explain why you will be being charged a little more or a little less for this policy or that.

But they are not directed at the average man in the street, certainly!

None of the above implies support for or promotion of any company or product, and does not construe financial advice and should not be interpreted as such.