The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) has welcomed Government proposals for a draft Equality Bill.

The BIBA 2008 manifesto calls for change to respond to the fact that people are living longer healthier lives. In particular, BIBA believes there is a need to review outdated criteria for accessing and setting insurance premiums.

It is important that consumers get the right cover at the right price and BIBA believes that risk based pricing is the best approach to meeting the needs of the entire population.

BIBA supports a ban on unjustifiable age discrimination. However, the Association is urging caution to protect the many customers who benefit from discounted premiums, designed to appeal to their particular age group.  Where it is possible to give certain age groups specific products and pricing this should be allowed to continue.

Graeme Trudgill, BIBA Technical and Corporate Affairs Executive said: “BIBA welcomes the proposals for a draft Equality Bill as set out by the Government.

“We will continue to work with Government to help design the appropriate regulations for all consumers.

“The important thing to remember is that cover is already available to all ages from BIBA members at a fair price. We would urge consumers not to always rely on the internet or on brand products which may not prove competitive for their particular age group. A broker can provide an independent quote for everybody whether they are young drivers or older travelers.”

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NOTES TO EDITORS:

1.  BIBA Manifesto

 The BIBA Manifesto proposals on age criteria can be downloaded here. These were:

-          Reassessment of age criteria for the over 60’s and for greater availability of cover

-          New health/travel/motor insurance products for this growing sector of the population

-          Greater flow of information between Government and industry

-          Industry and Government to work together to raise awareness of the insurance solutions and advice that brokers can offer.

2.                                Contact

For further information or to arrange an interview with Graeme Trudgill please contact Leighann Burtrand on 020 7397 0223 or at burtrandl@biba.org.uk

3.                                About BIBA

BIBA is the UK’s leading broker and intermediary organisation, representing professional insurance brokers and intermediaries.

BIBA is committed to playing a central role in the industry, from providing business backing and training for British brokers through to high-level industry representation.  We also actively participate in helping the industry and its customers deal with some of the major insurance issues of the day.

BIBA members operate to a very high standard of customer service with the aim of ensuring peace of mind, security, financial protection and the professional advice required.

Authoritative, independent and impartial, BIBA, a not for profit organisation, is uniquely relied upon by brokers and the consumer.
To find your nearest BIBA broker visit the ‘Find A Broker' section of the BIBA website,

www.biba.org.uk  or call BIBA’s consumer helpline on 0870 950 1790