Why Age Matters for Young and Old Drivers

Date
2006-05
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Business Information Group
Abstract
The inclusion of age in the design and distribution of auto insurance captures real differences among prospective insureds. The best solutions to reducing the importance of age in auto insurance remain outside the realm of insurance. The reliance on age as an underwriting variable can be decreased through better assessments of fitness to drive and through the implementation of changes that increase road safety for all road users. In Canada, both the frequency and severity of auto accidents are highly correlated with age. It appears that using insurance scores in automobile insurance might allow insurers to rely less heavily on age as a proxy for driver risk. However, insurance scores face two large hurdles before they can supplant age in the rating and underwriting processes of insurance in Canada.
Description
Copyright officer has approved inclusion of this article into DSpace November 17, 2010.
Keywords
Automobile insurance, Drivers licenses, Classification, Risk assessment, Age differences
Citation
Kelly, M. and N. L. Nielson. “Why Age Matters for Young and Old Drivers” Canadian Underwriter. Vol. 73, No. 5 (May 2006) pp. 58-62.