One month on from the EU gender directive, which ruled that car insurance premiums can no longer be differentiated by gender, 17 and 18 year old female drivers have seen premiums jump by a staggering 50%.

There is good news for men, however. Premiums for male drivers have dropped by 12% since the ruling was introduced, according to data from uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service.

The data, based on quotes of over 20,000 drivers before and after the rules were introduced on 21 December, shows that car insurance premiums for female drivers have so far risen by an average of 8% across the board, less than the industry prediction of 25%.

But young women are witnessing rises that are twice as high as this prediction. Average premiums for 17 and 18 year old female drivers have gone from £1,307 to £1,965 – a 50% increase. 19 to 21 year olds have also seen a jump of 13%, taking their average premium to £1,098.

Overall premiums for male drivers have dropped by 6%, with 19 to 21 year olds seeing one of the biggest decreases of 12%. Male drivers over the age of 71 have also seen their premiums drop by 12%.

All in all, the gender gap has significantly narrowed, from 14% to 2%, showing that insurers have jumped on the new legislation. However, across every age group except the over 71s, men still pay more; the average premium for men is £619, compared to £529 for women.

Michael Ossei, personal finance expert at uSwitch.com, says: “There’s not quite cause for young men to jump up and down in celebration. Despite the shock hike in female premiums, 17 and 18 year old men still pay the most for their car insurance. It’s our hope that the relentlessly high premiums do not discourage young people from learning to drive.”