Insurers urged not to target ex-offenders
Published On 26 September 2007
Insurers should not penalise former offenders with higher premiums, an industry body has said.The British Insurance Brokers Association (Biba) has teamed up with charity UNLOCK to call on the insurance industry to take a more flexible approach to insuring people with convictions in their past.
According to the two groups, insurers often bump up the premiums ex-cons are charged for insurance, despite the fact many pose no more risk than anyone else.
This means that, with the number of convictions in the UK increasing, more and more people could struggle to afford insurance.
"Society as a whole will benefit from insurers showing greater flexibility when assessing the risks posed by ex-offenders," explained Biba's chief executive, Eric Galbraith.
"The insurance industry should provide cover to as many people as possible and this requires having a more open mind when it comes to considering people with criminal records.
"By treating ex-offenders fairly, we will provide them with the self-confidence to develop within society, and greatly assist their rehabilitation."
