The cost of car insurance is higher for males compared to females because they are known to be more aggressive, risk-taking drivers. This type of driving behavior leads to a higher number of car accidents and traffic violations.

Theories/Speculation

There are several factors that come into play that make car insurance higher for one gender over the other. On average, men drive more miles compared with women, which naturally increases their chances of involvement in car accidents. Also, men exhibit riskier driving behavior that includes speeding, not using seat belts and violating traffic laws.

Traffic Violations

According to QualityPlanning.com, a company that gathers information on policy holders for insurers men were 3.08 times more likely to be cited for failure to wear a seatbelt, 3.09 times more likely to be cited for driving under the influence, 3.41 times more likely to be cited for reckless driving, 1.54 times more likely to be cited for failure to yield, 1.75 times more likely to be cited for speeding, and 1.53 times more for a stop sign violation.

Significance

In 2007, Quality Planning analyzed policy holders in the United States over a 12-month period and found that men scored at least 50 percent higher than women in traffic violations.

Fatality Facts

A recent study was done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which revealed that more men than women die each year in motor vehicle crashes. In 2008 alone, motor vehicle deaths for males were 26,616, compared to women, which were only 10,631.

Misconceptions

Women are sometimes believed to be the worst, most dangerous drivers, but research shows otherwise.

Source:

QualityPlanning: Policy Analysis

Social Issues Research Center: Driving

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: Studies