Older motorists in the UK should be given more assistance in finding the most appropriate and affordable car insurance policy, says industry body the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA).

It is calling on the government to support "signposting" for older customers who are turned down by car insurance providers based on their age.

Signposting refers to the process of directing motorists who have been declined cover to independent information sources about providers offering more relevant products.

Graeme Trudgill, BIBA's technical and corporate affairs executive, said the move marks a response to a consultation on age discrimination closed by the government's Equalities Office this week.

"We do not believe there is a market failure for older or younger people seeking insurance, particularly travel or motor," he stated, adding: "We believe that a problem in obtaining insurance occurs because consumers do not know where they can obtain appropriate cover."

Age should be used in insurance rating, he continued, provided that it is "proportionate to risk and costs", while a signposting service would guide rejected car insurance shoppers to "appropriate", risk-free outlets.

Last month, BIBA welcomed the government's crackdown on motorists without car insurance, commenting that the move will "benefit all road users".

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