Insurance companies given green light to charge elderly drivers more

TORONTO – Ontario’s human rights tribunal has given the green light to insurance companies to charge elderly drivers higher premiums.

In its decision, the tribunal said it accepted evidence that drivers over the age of 80 are more crash prone.

The case was brought by a 92-year-old Toronto man.

Denis Olorenshaw argued age discrimination after his 62-year-old daughter was quoted 250 dollars less for car insurance.

He also said one alternative to charging more would be to base premiums on distance travelled.

But the tribunal said it was impractical, and said elderly drivers simply pose a higher risk that warrants higher charges.