Can auto insurance providers charge different premiums for men and women?
Yes. Although charging different insurance premiums based on gender is discriminatory under the AHR Act, it is reasonable and justifiable under section 11. In a 1993 case, Co-operators General Insurance Co. v. Alberta (Human Rights Comm.) (1993), 21 C.H.R.R. D/343 (Alta. C.A.), the Alberta Court of Appeal found that there was no reasonable alternative for the insurance industry, and that if premiums were equalized, the higher rates would be unfair to young female drivers because young male drivers have more accidents. The Supreme Court of Canada also found this in Zurich Insurance Co. v. Ontario (Human Rights Commission) (1992) 2 S.C.R. 321.
