‘They just refuse’: Insurance companies failing to provide cover for Gypsy and Traveller site residents
Only two home insurance providers out of 33 contacted by FFT 'mystery shoppers' eventually offered a quote for homes on Gypsy and Traveller sites
The shocking discrimination Gypsies and Travellers face when trying to access home and contents insurance on Gypsy and Traveller sites has been revealed by new research published by Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT).
The research found that many Gypsy and Traveller site residents are unable to obtain insurance cover, despite repeated attempts to do so. The findings raise serious concerns about financial exclusion, transparency within the insurance industry and the risk of discrimination.
"This research brings to the surface the very real barriers Gypsy and Traveller communities face when trying to access something as fundamental as home insurance," said FFT Policy and Research Coordinator Victoria Gilmore.
"Insurance is not a luxury. Without it, families are left exposed to devastating financial risks. Action is urgently needed to ensure Gypsy and Traveller communities can access fair and equal treatment when seeking insurance cover" added Gilmore.
"No one should be excluded from financial protection because of their address or wrongful assumptions made about their communities.”
The mixed-method research combined a mystery shopping exercise with surveys and semi-structured interviews. Key findings from the report include:
- Out of 33 insurance providers contacted through comparison websites and directly, none were able to offer an online quote for home insurance on a Gypsy and Traveller site.
- After several weeks of follow-up calls and emails, only two providers offered a quote.
- Participants described insurers refusing cover due to their address, postcode or the location of their home on a Gypsy and Traveller site.
The research also found that in several cases, providers incorrectly categorised the sites.
Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers are recognised ethnic groups under the Equality Act 2010 and are legally protected from discrimination when accessing goods and services. Given the close link between ethnicity and living on Gypsy and Traveller sites, the report warns that postcode-based exclusions and barriers to accessing insurance may risk indirect discrimination.
Without access to insurance, many Gypsy and Traveller families are left financially vulnerable and excluded from essential financial services.
The report calls on the Financial Conduct Authority and Equality and Human Rights Commission to investigate whether insurance industry practices are leading to indirect discrimination against Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers.
FFT is also calling for:
- A review of insurance providers’ underwriting practices and postcode exclusions.
- Action to ensure insurance systems and online application processes are inclusive of Gypsy and Traveller sites.
- Greater transparency and accountability around decisions to refuse cover.
- Engagement between Government, regulators, Gypsy and Traveller communities and the insurance industry to address these barriers.
The findings come amid wider concerns around financial exclusion experienced by Gypsy and Traveller communities and increasing focus from the Financial Conduct Authority on improving access to insurance.
The full report, ‘They just refuse’: Insurance companies failing to provide cover for Gypsy and Traveller site residents, is available here.
FFT Press release/TT News
(Lead photo: Stock photo of crowds at Kent Horse Fair, by Eszter Halasi for the Travellers’ Times)