asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will take steps, by the introduction of legislation if necessary, to compel motor insurance companies to compensate owners of vehicles which, having been stolen, are recovered in a damaged condition, in cases where the owners are covered for theft.
Written Answers. - Motor Insurance.
153.
Where the owner is covered for theft and the policy of insurance specifies "loss of or damage to the vehicle", in the event of the vehicle having been stolen and recovered in a damaged condition it is the invariable practice of insurance companies to pay the cost of repairs.
I understand that several insurers grant cover for theft which includes cover for damage to the recovered stolen vehicle, and accordingly I do not see that a change in legislation, as proposed, is called for.