Northern Ireland motorists aged 80 and older are still often discriminated against when they seek car insurance quotes, according to research by Age Concern and Help the Aged.

The charity's study suggests that half of motor insurance providers automatically exclude drivers in that age bracket who approach them for a quote – regardless of the health status of the vehicle owner in question.

Andrew Harrop, head of public policy at the charity, explains that the research was released to coincide with the publication of the Government Equalities Office's response to a consultation entitled "Ending Age Discrimination in Goods and Public Services", in relation to the Equality Bill.

In it, the Office recommends the continued use of upper age limits and the insurance industry's refusal of quotes, something that Age Concern and Help the Aged claim endorses – and possibly increases – age discrimination across the sector.

He adds that the decision confirms older people as "second-class" consumers: "The insurance industry must wake up to the fact that more of us than ever are living longer, healthier and more active lives.

"Continuing to discriminate against our ageing population is not only bad for older people, it is bad for business."