Direct Line ageist? over 65s read this

alanrco

I think Direct Line have disenfranchised a huge part of the population of Britain. But do people know?

I filled the online forms in to get a quote for property and contents. Was made up when I saw their online Home Insurance Plus was the same price as my previous insurer but also included annual travel insurance, I was about to sign up. Then thought, I'll check the policy documentation first. That looked okay. No problems there for travel insurance. Luckily I decided to look at the insurance summary document. Over 65s are excluded from the travel insurance! NOTE: THIS IS NOT MENTIONED IN THE MAIN POLICY DOCUMENT. I rang them and was told that is the case and couldn't be resolved by paying a higher premium.

IMHO this is a very sneaky ageist con trick! It was only by diligence that I discovered this. I'm 65 and very angry.

65 in this day and age is not old and there are millions of retired people, most of which could take advantage of travel insurance. This must be made public knowledge.

Alan

rs65

alanrco wrote: »

NOTE: THIS IS NOT MENTIONED IN THE MAIN POLICY DOCUMENT.

Yes it is.

Most travel insurers have upper age limits

whatmichaelsays

Statistics show that over 65s pose a greater risk - one that Direct Line has decided to mitigate by refusing to cover.

The same basis is used by many insurers to justify refusal to cover, or ability to charge higher premiums and compulsory excesses to younger drivers.

Quentin

Include alliance and leicester if not covering over 65s is a sin!

lisyloo

They certainly cover the over 80's for driving, so I would guess this is a business decision rather than being ageist.

alanrco

Hmmm, it still boils down to less for over 65s at the same price, than others. So unless they offer the product at a reduced price (without travel insurance) this is still discrimination!

Many over 65s will probably sign up without realising that they do not get this. The least Direct Line could do is bracket 'not for over 65s' when showing the benefits list. I still think it's really sneaky!

Alan

Shenanigan

alanrco wrote: »

Hmmm, it still boils down to less for over 65s at the same price, than others. So unless they offer the product at a reduced price (without travel insurance) this is still discrimination!

Many over 65s will probably sign up without realising that they do not get this. The least Direct Line could do is bracket 'not for over 65s' when showing the benefits list. I still think it's really sneaky!

Alan

They do. On the 'Home' Policy no travel cover is included.

Becen

I wouldn't say it is ageist at all. They will most likely have research stating that over 65's are more of a risk, just like insuring young people for car insurance.

mikey72

Becen wrote: »

I wouldn't say it is ageist at all. They will most likely have research stating that over 65's are more of a risk, just like insuring young people for car insurance.

Do you work in insurance?

Becen

mikey72 wrote: »

Do you work in insurance?

Luckily not. I'm just a young driver I can see that my post looks suspicious now. Eek!