Since the motor car was first invented men and women have been arguing about who are the best drivers. But statistics show that women are far less likely to have an accident than men. As a result car insurance for women generally tends to be cheaper. Many would expect women only insurers, with their catchy jingles and girlie adverts, to offer the best rates. But this is not always the case. They do, however, offer additional benefits and incentives.

According to home office statistics over the last five years in the UK, male drivers have accounted for 94% of all car accidents involving death or bodily harm, 97% of all dangerous driving convictions, 89% of all drink and drug driving convictions, 83% of all speeding convictions and 85% of all careless driving convictions.

Between January 2007 and 2008 Confused.com recorded 2,305,374 male misdemeanours ranging from death by dangerous driving to speeding, compared with 920,027 female convictions.

In light of these figures it is not surprising that insurers offer male and female drivers different rates. A man under 21 years old is one and a half times more likely to make a claim than a woman of the same age. According to Sheilas’ Wheels women also tend to have far less costly claims. Their incidents usually take place at lower speeds and closer to the home. Far more involve parking and 'narrow street' type accidents.

"Women generally pay less than men for car insurance as they are deemed to be statistically safer,” comments James Harrison, Chief Executive of Insurancewide.com.“But the rates offered by women only insurers are not generally lower than those offered by unisex insurers and they tend not to undercut them.”  

Research conducted by moneysupermarket.com found that a 30 year old woman with a typical Focus, Astra or Megane will find the cheapest women only brands will quote her an average of £269. This is 55% more than traditional providers, which quote around £174.

Women only insurers do, however, offer female friendly incentives. Sheilas' Wheels for example provides product features specifically designed for women drivers. It offers handbag and contents cover of £300, a 24 hour confidential counselling line for policyholders and a network of repairers trained to follow a female-friendly code of practice. It also offers customers the opportunity to build up to 75% no claims discount.

“Obviously no insurer can claim to offer the cheapest quote for every driver,” says Niki Bolton, spokesperson for Sheilas’ Wheels. “However, by focusing solely on women, Sheilas’ Wheels reflects the relative safety of female drivers through attractive premiums. Women are becoming more discerning customers, they want good quality car insurance, plus one that is well priced for what it offers.”

But notes James Harrison of Insurancewide.com: “These extra features don't necessarily offer better value for money. A courtesy car might not be important to you and your handbag may well be covered by your home contents insurance policy.” 

With any insurance product it is best to shop around for a product that suits your needs. As Niki Bolton of Sheilas’ Wheels points out: “The key thing for any motorist, whether male or female, is to shop around at renewal for their car insurance and not only look for a good price but also a quality product.”

So just because an insurer is aimed at a specific market, it doesn’t mean to say it is cheaper. It is also worth bearing in mind that although you may be buying from a specialist provider, that company is probably owned by one of the handful of large insurers that dominate the market. For example Sheilas’ Wheels is actually part of Esure.