Zurich Kotak General Insurance has launched the latest edition of its ‘Drive Like A Lady’ campaign ahead of Women’s Day, using a social experiment to question long-standing stereotypes around women drivers. The digital film highlights how quickly people form assumptions about driving mistakes and often attribute them to women without knowing the facts.

The experiment was conducted on several busy streets in Mumbai. As part of the setup, a car with a visibly damaged bumper was deliberately parked awkwardly between two neatly parked vehicles, creating a minor traffic inconvenience. Passers-by and nearby motorists were observed reacting to the situation.

Many people immediately assumed that the driver responsible for the poor parking was a woman. Comments such as “the driver must be a girl,” “that’s not how men drive,” and “probably a girl’s car” reflected the stereotypes that continue to exist around women behind the wheel.

However, the campaign later revealed that the driver was not a woman, prompting a moment of surprise and reflection among bystanders. The reveal highlights how deeply ingrained such biases are and how quickly people jump to conclusions based on gender.

The film concludes with a powerful message: “Sometimes the real damage isn’t on your car. It’s in the notions.” The line emphasises that the real issue lies not in driving ability but in the stereotypes people carry.

Released across digital platforms, the campaign aims to spark conversation about everyday gender bias and encourage viewers to rethink assumptions about women drivers. Through a simple yet thought-provoking social experiment, Zurich Kotak uses storytelling to challenge stereotypes and promote a more inclusive mindset on the road.