Motorists could fork out more for insurance if their name is Mohammed

File photo dated 24/12/14 of cars drive on the M25 motorway, as the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders have said that black is back as the UK's most popular new car colour.
File photo dated 24/12/14 of cars drive on the M25 motorway, as the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders have said that black is back as the UK's most popular new car colour.

A recent study has found that motorists with traditionally British-sounding names, such as John Smith, pay less for insurance than those with more exotic monikers. A survey by The Sun found top insurance firms quote drivers named John almost £1,000 less than those named Mohammed.

An Admiral quote obtained via comparison website GoCompare showed the issue most prominently. Researchers put in identical details for two quotes – on a 2007 Ford Focus in Leicester. For a driver named 'John Smith' the quote was £1,333 – but when the name was changed to 'Mohammed Ali' the amount leapt to £2,252.

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