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The Cyprus Parliament is taking aim at what lawmakers call unfair treatment of older drivers, as two new bills seek to stop insurance companies from overcharging, or outright refusing, to cover people over 70.
Independent MP Alexandra Attalidou, who introduced the proposals, said during Tuesday’s Human Rights Committee meeting that too many older citizens face “major problems” when trying to renew their car insurance.
“It’s time to put an end to unjustified discrimination,” Attalidou said, explaining that the first bill explicitly bans insurance companies from charging higher premiums or denying coverage based solely on age, unless they can back it up with solid, objective data.
“This is about social justice, transparency, and fair access to insurance for everyone,” she added.
The second bill would force insurers to provide a written explanation whenever they refuse to issue or renew a policy, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.
Attalidou cited data from the police, the Ministry of Justice, and other agencies showing that accidents involving older drivers are not high enough to justify steep premium hikes. “The statistics don’t support the narrative that older drivers are a high-risk group,” she said.
She also accused insurance companies of repeatedly failing to provide evidence to back up their pricing decisions. “They always claim to have data, but they’ve never actually shown it,” she said.
“The goal is simple,” Attalidou added. “To build a fairer, more transparent, and humane insurance system, one where age isn’t treated as a liability but with respect and responsibility.”
The Committee is now waiting for feedback from the Legal Service and the Cyprus Bar Association before finalizing the draft laws for a vote in Parliament.
