Insurers were prohibited from using gender as a factor when pricing policies by an EU directive in 2012

Men are paying about £170 more for car insurance than women despite the introduction of European Union rules that ban imposing prices on premiums according to gender.

A study found that the gap between men and women had grown significantly over the past four years. Researchers said that many insurers relied on statistics that showed that men had a higher likelihood of being involved in an accident, even if the motorist concerned was a safe driver.

These were not affected by the EU directive in 2012, which banned insurers from using gender as a factor when pricing policies.

The disclosure adds to the strain on motorists. Average premiums have increased by 38 per cent over the past three years, according to some measures, dramatically outstripping