Hibernian forced to offer motor quotes to all

A settlement between Hibernian Insurance and a twenty three year-old motorist could have implications for all young drivers seeking cover.

Ciaran Kennedy was denied a quote because he was two years below the age at which the company was prepared to do business.

The company refused to take his three-year clean driving record into account, however after intervention by the Equality Authority Hibernian will now consider all full and provisional licence holders for a policy.

Niall Crowley of the Equality Authority says that the fact the case was not contested could strike another blow for equal rights.

Mr Crowley said: "This is a settlement rather than the findings of a tribunal, but the Equality tribunal has aleady made a finding in relation to upper age limits in an equal status case."

He added that it has "found that the refusal of a case based solely on a person's age is not acceptable and what this case raises is the case of the use of lower ages".