Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 May 1991

Vol. 409 No. 1

Written Answers. - Insurance Claims Statistics.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

70 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the average cost of insurance claims for (a) material damage arising from motor accidents, (b) personal injuries, (c) public liability and (d) fire damage; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr. O'Malley)

Insurers are not required to supply information to my Department in the format detailed in the Deputy's question.

However, the annual returns which insurers provide in the context of my statutory function as the insurance supervisory authority, indicate that in 1989 the average cost per claim incurred by motor insurers was £3,921. The equivalent figure for public liability insurance was £4,836.

I would add that it is clear that the cost of personal injury claims, including compensation paid to claimants and legal costs associated with such claims, is a significant factor in the overall level of motor and liability insurance costs. The inter-ministerial group on motor insurance, comprising of the Ministers for Justice, Environment, the Attorney General and myself, have been examining ways and means of improving the environment for motor insurance in particular. I am hopeful that this may result in a number of positive proposals which can be implemented in the very early future.