Insurer slated by watchdog over charging 'race' premium

INSURER Admiral Group has been criticised by a consumer watchdog for quoting higher premiums to drivers who were born outside the UK.

Which? said legal advice concluded Admiral was breaching the Race Relations Act by adding an average 18 per cent to insurance premiums for a driver who had not lived in the UK since birth.

The consumer group contacted Admiral Group – which includes Admiral, Bell, Diamond and Elephant.co.uk – and 15 other major car insurance providers in January and February asking for quotes.

The watchdog said it would pass the full details from its investigation to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission.

Admiral said: "Admiral respects every customer. We do not rate on race, colour or religion, but we do rate on the age someone first comes to the UK. Our advice is that this is consistent with the Race Relations Act."