Lady drivers up in arms on decision to scrap policy discounts

Car insurance companies will be forced to charge both males and females the same amount for their insurance coverage

This landmark ruling that comes into force on the 21st of December 2012 will see many female motorists paying 25 per cent more for car insurance, while newly qualified drivers will see theirs go up by 40 per cent.

The EU government has been strongly criticised by women on the Côte d'Azur for taking equality rights too far, ignoring what they see as the indisputable “boy racer” factor.

They argued that women are more careful on the roads, particularly in this affluent region where wealthy, often foreign, car owners do not think twice about exceeding the speed limit.

Many French insurance providers have already warned customers of the pending hikes in the price of insurance coverage and say it will lead to the end of female-only insurance policies.

This decision is also likely to affect other sectors (such as health), where women currently benefit from lower premiums, and pension annuities where men often receive a larger annual pension.

Some experts suggest that if service providers charge the lowest rate across the board, they would be more competitive.

They could then set the bar higher for those who offend, therefore a young male driver could benefit from a low rate until he causes, for example, an accident at which point his premium could go up by 100 per cent or more.

This they argue would reduce road hazards in the region and that people, especially men, will be more careful as even the most minor incident would send their premiums through the roof.

AA