asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce how rates of motor vehicle insurance compare with rates in England and Northern Ireland, with particular reference to hackney cars.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Motor Vehicle Insurance.
44.
Motor vehicle insurance rates are determined by underwriting experience. The rates in this country for cars generally are higher than in Britain and the Six Counties but the difference in the case of hackney cars is not substantial.
45.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that motor insurance companies are refusing to give passenger cover to drivers under 21 years of age; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, this is a matter in which I have no function.
In view of the fact that passenger insurance will be compulsory in the very near future, does the Minister not consider he should have some function in the matter?
At present, the compulsory insurance cover is what is described as Act cover. This type of cover has been extended generally, but when the new Road Traffic Act comes into force, a new situation will arise.
On the renewal of fully comprehensive policies, certain insurance companies are excepting persons under 21 and in view of the fact that full passenger cover will be required by the end of May, will the Minister not reconsider the matter and do something about it?
When the new situation arises, it will be time enough to consider it.
Does the Minister consider that those insurance companies should be allowed to put in a penal clause for the purpose of insuring people who up to now have been insured under normal conditions?
The Deputy is now referring to comprehensive insurance cover, which is a different matter altogether.
Is the Minister aware that, apart from a lower age limit, some insurance companies also impose an upper age limit in respect of which they refuse to give passenger cover? Would he not agree that this whole question should be examined as a matter of urgency in view of the fact it has already been announced that passenger cover is to be made compulsory in a month or six weeks' time?
I am aware that insurance companies impose not necessarily an upper age limit but a restriction having regard to the age and capacity of the person proposed to be insured.
One of the restrictions is that they will not cover passengers.
I do not know what the implications of all this will be, but if any serious difficulties arise, we shall have regard to them.
Can we have an assurance from the Minister that he will take the necessary steps to prevent insurance companies from raking off from the public again in respect of something which they have up to now covered as a normal procedure?
I cannot give any assurance at this stage about anything like that.
Ah, do!