Elderly Britons have better access to insurance since the introduction of a “signposting agreement”, according to the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA).

The deal between the industry and the Government requires insurers and brokers that cannot cover older motorists or travellers to refer them to an alternative provider, or to BIBA’s Find a Broker service.

Since the scheme’s launch in April last year, website visits and calls to Find a Broker have risen 200% and more than 43,000 people have been passed to specialist brokers, BIBA says.

“The figures show that not only was there a need for this type of service, but it can make a real difference to those people who really struggle to find cover,” BIBA CEO Steve White said.

“We would like signposting to be expanded to other areas of insurance.”

Access for older people in Australia remains an issue, particularly in workers’ compensation and income protection, where problems obtaining cover are considered a barrier to people working later in life.

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) continues to “actively contribute” to the debate, a spokesman says.

“The ability of insurers to lawfully discriminate is integral to the assessment of risk and the provision of affordable insurance across the community,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“Under the General Insurance Code of Practice, if an insurer is unable to provide a person with cover they will refer them to another insurer, the National Insurance Brokers Association or ICA’s Find an Insurer service at findaninsurer.com.au.

“The service enables consumers to search from more than 230 general insurance categories, including seniors’ travel insurance, and lists more than 100 Australian general insurance brands.”