Latest news with #Quotezone
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Brits could pay £975 more for car insurance over two-letter title difference
Shocking new data from top comparison sites has uncovered an interesting pattern that could mean Brits are hit with a hefty premium when purchasing their car insurance Drivers have been told that a simple two-letter difference could cost them almost £1,000 on their car insurance. Since the Equality Act 2010, insurers are prohibited from using gender as a factor in determining pricing, meaning you shouldn't be charged more to protect your vehicle just because you're a man or a woman. However, and Quotezone have analysed data from the first quarter of 2025 - to find out whether titles like 'Mr', 'Mrs', 'Miss' and 'Ms' still impact the deal you're offered. The figures reveal significant variation in quotes, with some titles consistently associated with lower or higher costs, and it's bad news for men. The findings show drivers selecting 'Mr' have to pay more for their car insurance — when comparing prices, the difference was as much as £975 between a man selecting 'Mr' and a woman choosing 'Ms' — but this is not due to gender-based discrimination. Both comparison sites confirmed insurers do not use the title itself to calculate premiums. Instead, the title often reflects broader risk profiles associated with the typical characteristics of drivers who select these titles, with factors including driving experience, claims history and driving behaviour taken into account. Motoring expert at Rhydian Jones, explained: "Data shows that men typically pay more for their insurance than women. And this is due to the fact that, statistically, men tend to have a higher risk profile than women. "While data suggests that women are marginally more likely to have made a claim, or have a relatively similar number of convictions to men, data suggests that it's often the case that the severity of these is far greater for men. For example, data shows that men are twice as likely to have more severe convictions, like driving without insurance, careless driving, or driving under the influence. And men are more likely to have multiple, or higher penalties on their licence compared to women. And the more severe the incident, or value of claim being made, the bigger the impact on insurance will be." CEO of Quotezone, Greg Wilson, reiterated the fact that the 'Mr' premium isn't because of gender, and is actually down to individuals in the group presenting higher risk factors. "This could be due to differences in occupation, mileage, claims or conviction history, or other relevant factors that insurers use to assess risk," he added. The average premiums reported by illustrate this gap very clearly. In Q1 of 2025, the average quote for 'Mr' was £1,695, compared with £1,331 for 'Miss' and £863 for 'Mrs' — while the cheapest was £720 for 'Ms'. Quotezone's data backs this up, showing this pattern also holds true across age groups, with 'Mr' consistently receiving higher quotes. Differences between 'Miss' and 'Ms' are similarly explained by underlying risk factors such as age, location and claims history, rather than the title itself. So while some men might feel hard-done-by when looking at this data, it is the associated risk profile that drives the cost up, not title or gender.
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
How does your title affect your car insurance quote? Data reveals price gulf between Mr, Mrs, Miss and Ms
Despite laws being in place to make it illegal for insurance providers to discriminate by gender, male drivers are still being quoted hundreds more for motor cover, according to data obtained by consumer group Which?. Motorists who select 'Mr' as their title when running insurance quotes using comparison websites consistently face higher average prices than those entering 'Mrs', 'Miss' or 'Ms', it found. In the past, car insurance quotes for women had typically been cheaper than men based on risk calculations by providers, triggering the launch of some female-exclusive insurers, such as Sheila's Wheels. However, under rules imposed in 2012, it is illegal for motor insurance providers to use a driver's gender to determine the cost of a quote. Despite this, comparison websites and Quotezone shared data suggesting there remains a significant gulf in prices quoted to men compared to women. Based on average quoted premiums, this can be as much as £1,000, the consumer watchdog revealed. Both comparison sites confirmed that their own quoted figures showed that drivers selecting 'Mr' are quoted the highest average premiums. Based on data collated the first three months of this year, said the average quoted price for a 'Mr' was £1,695. However, for a 'Miss' it was £1,331 - a saving of £364, or 21 per cent. For those selecting 'Mrs' as their title, the average quoted premium was substantially lower at £863 - which is half the price of the typical price given for a 'Mr'. But the cheapest title of all - on average - is 'Ms'. Women who select this option were faced an average annual insurance quote of just £720, which is a £975 saving compared to a male driver - a massive 58 per cent less. This data suggests there's some disparity across female titles, too; women who list themselves as 'Ms' are being quoted £611 less on average than those who input 'Miss' when requested to provide their title. That's a saving of 46 per cent. Figures presented by Quotezone - also based on data for January to March 2025 - showed a similar pattern of pricing disparity by gender title, though not to the same extent reported by The data it supplied to Which? was broken down by age in ten-year increments. For drivers aged 30, the biggest price difference between a male and female title was over £300 ('Mr' vs 'Ms'). However, the gender price gap between those titles shrinks to just £100 when drivers reach 60 years. The data also differs from with the most expensive premiums quoted to married female motorists with 'Mrs' titles when aged 30 or 40. However, for 50 and 60-year-old women drivers, 'Miss' is the most expensive title to have. 'Ms' remains the cheapest female title of all in Quotezone's data. Despite the clear difference, both comparison sites told Which? that a customer's title is not used directly when generating prices, but they are still reflective of risk profiles. Rhydian Jones, commercial director at told the consumer group: 'Data shows that men typically pay more for their insurance than women. And this is due to the fact that, statistically, men tend to have a higher risk profile than women. 'While data suggests that women are marginally more likely to have made a claim, or have a relatively similar number of convictions to men, data suggests that it's often the case that the severity of these are far greater for men.' The Confused spokesman said that men are statistically 'twice as likely' to have more severe convictions - such as driving without insurance, careless driving, or driving under the influence - as well as having more instances of multiple, or higher penalties on their licences, which has an impact on premiums. Greg Wilson, CEO of Quotezone, also told Which?: 'While our stats show that customers with the title 'Mr' are often quoted higher premiums, this is not due to their title or gender, but because on average, individuals in this group tend to present higher risk factors.' Wilson said this could be due to a multitude of other factors, such as occupation, annual mileage, claims and conviction history, or other 'relevant factors' that insurers use to assess risk. Rules on gender-neutral pricing in insurance were rung in by the European Union on 21 December 2012. The European Court of Justice mandated that insurance providers could no longer use sex as a factor in calculating premiums. This meant that women, who had previously benefited from cheaper car insurance rates due to a gender-based expectation of fewer accidents and longer life expectance, experienced an increase in premiums of around £300, while men could have expected to see their policy prices fall by around £180 to bridge the sex gap. The rules impacted all new contracts for insurance products, including car insurance, life insurance and annuities.
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits heading to Europe warned to budget for 'extra tax' in summer hotspots
Brits are being warned to check before travelling to the likes of France, Italy, Spain and more to avoid being surprised by a common extra cost when they check-in at their hotel Brits planning their summer holidays are being warned to check for additional costs before they head off to their destination. That's because there are plenty of hotspots in the likes of France, Spain and Italy charge a tourist tax, often for every day of your stay. While this isn't usually more than a few euros each day, it's worth noting that it's rarely included in the original cost of your holiday, but rather is paid when you check-in to your hotel. However, a survey from Quotezone revealed that 45% of Brits don't plan for additional expenses on holiday - and so can be caught off-guard when they're asked to pay at reception. Greg Wilson, CEO and travel insurance expert at said: "If you're planning a trip to any city in Europe this year, you must be aware of the potential additional costs to your holiday such as tourist tax – often these extras are not obvious beforehand and normally due for payment when you check out of your accommodation. Tourism taxes range anywhere between less than €1 to almost €15 per night and can be charged per person." Although tourist taxes aren't new, they've been an increasing source of tension in recent years as holiday destinations look to combat overtourism. Just recently, Jet2's CEO Steve Heapy raised concerns that tourist taxes might increase as a result of the over tourism demonstrations in Spain. It comes following protests in hotspots such as Barcelona and the Canary Islands, with locals calling for more restrictions. The Mayor of Salou Pere Granados had previously championed a charge of 84p per day for tourists, explaining at a round table: "The tourists pay tax in the same way as the residents pay taxes. If I come to London, I generate waste." However, Benidorm's mayor Antonio Perez said he was against the tourist tax "because it's stigmatising the visitors as the ones who are preventing me from having a better city or better services". Meanwhile in Italy, in recent years Venice has introduced a tourism tax for 'day trippers', in a bid to combat the crowds that descend upon the city, including during peak cruise holiday seasons. Just last year city officials confirmed they would be increasing the tax for 2025, and even doubling the fee for last-minute holidaymakers. The experts at Quotezone warned: "When budgeting for your trip, it is important to take additional fees and tax into consideration. Recently many countries have actually raised their fees for tourists. Visitors in Paris may find themselves paying up to €14.95 a night – while Venice has introduced a trial for visitors to pay a €5 entry fee to the city during daytime hours, including additional costs for anyone staying in the city overnight. While planning your trip, make sure to research tourist tax in that area so you can be prepared for the additional costs."
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Most budget-friendly' city break in Europe is ideal for a summer holiday
The Spanish capital is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do, and it's also one of the 'most budget-friendly' city break destinations in Europe, according to travel insurance experts Madrid, Spain's capital and a hive of activity, has been crowned as one of the "best budget city break" locations for those looking to escape during the summer. Characterized by its energetic streets, Madrid is also celebrated by Spain's tourist board for its "welcoming and diverse" atmosphere, affirming it as an ideal spot for every type of traveller. Research by travel insurance gurus at Quotezone pinpoints Madrid as offering one of the most wallet-friendly getaways on the continent, standing out as the sole Spanish metropolis in the line-up and trumping other European hotspots like Athens, Vienna, Rome and Paris when it comes to saving those pennies. READ MORE: 'Gorgeous' £9 body spray perfume 'just as good if not better than Sol de Janeiro' The selection was made by weighing up elements critical to frugal globetrotters - think tourist levies, snooze spots prices, cost for nosh and a pint, public transit fares, and how far you'll need to trek from the tarmac. As visitor taxes hike up elsewhere, Madrid's lack of this surcharge is a notable highlight. The city also scores points for its reasonable food scene. Despite having its share of swanky eateries, the capital doesn't disappoint when it comes to more modestly priced meal choices, reports the Express. You won't have to splash out much in Madrid, with an average spend of about €14 (circa £12) for dining delights, the study reveals. And, for those desiring a bevvy to sip in the sun, the typical price tag for a brew sits at around €3.50, which equates to near £3, albeit a tad steeper than the likes of Zagreb, where a local ale will set you back just about £2.50. However, in contrast to the average pint price of £5.90 found in London, Madrid's beer comes across as a significant money-saver. As noted by Quotezone, a single public transport ticket in Madrid costs just €1.50 (around £1.30), representing a budget-friendly way to traverse the bustling cityscape. Madrid offers a wealth of activities regardless of your holiday preferences; from its vibrant streets lined with a myriad of shops and global cuisine restaurants to bars and a pulsating nightlife. History buffs will revel in the numerous museums and the plethora of historic buildings that can be found throughout the city. "Madrid's authenticity is hard to beat," remarked the Spanish tourism board. "It is welcoming and diverse. Madrid is, without a doubt, one of Europe's most interesting cities."
Daily Mirror
03-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
One of Europe's cheapest cities where you can dine out for £7 and beer is £3
Istanbul, one of the most visited cities in the world, has also been named one of Europe's cheapest capital cities for a city break, with meals and beer prices revealed Turkey's greatest metropolis, Istanbul, famously sprawling across the divide of Europe and Asia, has earned praise as a "magnificent" travel spot and has just been featured on a newfound index touting Europe's most economical city breaks. The vast urban landscape showcases diverse cultural legacies of empires past, comprising an ancient Old City alongside burgeoning modern areas. Travel insurance experts at Quotezone have flagged it as one of the continent's top contenders for value-for-money city jaunts, spotlighting the exceptional affordability encountered by those dining out in Istanbul. These connoisseurs of travel focused their analysis on the 12 most frequented capital cities throughout Europe including the likes of Paris, Rome, Berlin and Madrid. They assessed expenses such as tourist taxes, accommodation, eating out, drinking, and public transportation costs. While Istanbul lost out on the number one position to Warsaw in Poland and Zagreb in Croatia, it nevertheless fared impressively in terms of cost-effectiveness. The report from Quotezone said: "Istanbul ranks as the third best capital city for holidaying this summer, with the cheapest meal prices in the index, despite being 34.74 km away from the airport." The investigation revealed that one could relish a meal in the city for less than £8. On average, dining out would set you back around €8.65, equivalent to about £7.39. For those who enjoy a cool beer, the study indicated that the mean price for a local brew in Istanbul stands at €3.17 – roughly £2.71. Istanbul - the city where East meets West, modernity graces tradition and every corner offers a culinary wonderland for those with an appetite for exploration. Food enthusiasts will be thrilled to hear that Istanbul presents an exceptional blend of local fare and inventive fusion cuisine, reports the Express. One establishment soaking up accolades on Tripadvisor is Gulhane Sark Sofrasi. It's not only top-rated but has bagged itself a Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award for 2023. Seafood lovers, Mediterranean food aficionados, and Turkish cuisine enthusiasts will find a home here in the menu's diversity. Yet, gourmands should plan ahead - recent reviews suggest reservations are essential to avoid disappointment during peak evening hours. No jaunt through Istanbul's streets is truly savoured without indulging in the customary sip of Turkish coffee. Esteemed as much for its rich, sweet flavour as its place in fortune-telling lore and traditional marriage ceremonies, it's a cultural keystone. For a genuine caffeine kick in the city's heart, Fazıl Bey's Turkish Coffee within the bustling Kadıköy Bazaar comes highly recommended and is a favourite haunt among the locals. Beyond its reputation for lively Turkish folk tunes, the café teems with a variety of coffee aromas sure to satisfy any palate. One traveller reflecting on their visit gushed: "Istanbul is a magnificent city... one full of beauty, history, spectacular architecture, amazing restaurants, views to die for, wonderful little family-owned hotels, exceptionally kind and honest people, fun-filled nightclubs, exotic sounds, exotic smells, and many other fabulous things too numerous to mention.
