Men continue to be the bigger risk behind the wheel – at least in Victoria. RACV Insurance’s latest claims data shows men make more motor insurance claims than women.

The insurer says male drivers accounted for 53% of motor claims resulting from a collision in the past financial year. The average cost of claims to repair collision damage for men is also 8% higher than for women.

GM Paul Northey says despite this, the gender gap is narrowing. In 2005, women reported 11% fewer accidents than men. The figure has now dropped to 7%.

Mr Northey says the figures are not surprising given that men accounted for more than two-thirds of road deaths last year.

The insurer’s claims figures show the under-21 age group is still the riskiest, with an average claim cost of $5740, followed by the 21 to 25-year-olds at $5350. The lowest average claim cost goes to the 60-plus age group at $3670.

“Drivers aged between 18 and 25 make up 15% of Victoria’s driving population but account for 30% of fatalities and serious injuries,” Mr Northey said.