Cheap car insurance news
07/08/2007

Attitudes towards vehicles differ between men and woman car insurance customers

Research commissioned by BMW has revealed that there are more motoring differences between men and ladies than just the cheaper price of woman car insurance.

According to the researchers from the University of East London, men tend to treat their car as an extension of themselves, whereas women treat their vehicle as a distinct object. Apparently their differing attitudes are characterised by how they hold the steering wheel; men tend to rest just one hand on it, whilst most women hold it with both hands.

One of the researchers commented: "Men talk about their cars as if talking about themselves. Women are more comfortable expressing their feelings directly and see the car as separate."

The authors of the study also pointed out that women are more likely to get emotional about their car as they see it as a possession, rather than part of them.

"This is often demonstrated by genuine feelings of annoyance at the threat, or potential threat, of someone scratching or scraping the car. Affectionate patting of the steering wheel, car roof or dashboard, or glancing back as if to say goodbye, are also signs."

A spokesperson for cheap car insurance company CoverGirl Car Insurance Services said: "Maybe the fact that ladies tend to keep both hands on the wheel is part of the reason that woman car insurance is cheaper, but I would certainly agree that men and women have very different attitudes towards their vehicles."

BMW revealed that the information gleaned from this report will be used in future vehicle design.