ECJ Judgment prohibiting the use of gender when pricing insurance and pensions

The ECJ has ruled that firms must disregard gender when pricing insurance and pensions – the requirement will take effect on 21 December 2012.

Robert Vidal, Head of Competition, EU and Trade at international law firm Taylor Wessing LLP, comments:

"The judgment will have a considerable impact on the industry and consumers.  The ban on using sex as a risk-factor will inevitably result in a levelling-off of premiums, with every drop in premiums for one sex being balanced with a corresponding hike for the other.

"Those who lose out, like women who will have to pay much more for car insurance, may feel that gender equality comes at too high a price.

"The only good news is the ECJ's decision to provide the market with some breathing space allowing a transitional period until 21 December 2012."

Robert Vidal is a highly regarded competition law specialist who advises companies on the application of EU and UK competition law.  He has built up significant behavioural experience successfully defending companies during investigations run by the OFT and European Commission in sectors as diverse as luxury brands, fast moving consumer goods, media and entertainment, and sports.

ENDS

Lawyers Robert Vidal

Notes to editors

For further information, please contact:

Robert Vidal
DDL +44 (0) 20 7300 4680
Email

Sarah Le Cheminant
DDL +44 (0) 20 7300 4930
Email

Taylor Wessing LLP is a leading international law firm providing support for commercial organisations doing business in Europe, the Middle East and China.

The firm's Competition team has extensive exposure to a number of high-profile OFT and European Commission investigations, an outstanding track record in contentious competition matters and has advised on a wide range of complex commercial agreements.