The EU has passed the Equal Treatment (Gender) Directive, in its heavily amended form.
Member states have been given three years to decide how they intend to implement it.
There are fears that the directive could bring motor insurance premium rises for women.
ABI member Hugh Savill said:"The Directive that has emerged from the council of ministers is a substantial improvement on the Commission's original proposal, which would have ended the use of data about gender as a factor in insurance.
"This achievement would not have been possible without the disciplined advocacy of member companies alongside the
ABI, and the support of the UK Government."
