Vol. 516 No. 1
41 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps, if any, a farmer can take in order to secure comprehensive public and employer and vehicle insurance in view of the fact that he already had insurance and had at least two claims against him (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7093/00]
In relation to the availability of insurance cover, be it employers' liability, public liability or motor vehicle insurance, there is no provision under insurance legislation for me to interfere in the criteria for acceptance of a risk by an insurance company nor am I empowered to regulate the premiums to be applied for granting insurance. The provision of insurance cover is generally based on underwriting experience, including trends in the cost and frequency of claims, and is a matter of judgment for the individual insurance company. Any changes in the circumstances affecting the risk to be insured would be assessed by the insurer from an underwriting standpoint. The premium to be charged and even the availability of an insurance quote will reflect any material increase in the risk.
I note that the gentleman referred to in the Deputy's question has incurred two claims against his policy, one following damage to his property and one following a claim from an employee who suffered personal injuries. The payment of any claims by an insurance company is likely to increase the cost of insurance for the policyholder. I can only suggest that he seek quotes from as many authorised insurance companies as possible.
In the case of motor insurance, any motorist who is refused compulsory third party cover has the option of applying under the declined cases agreement for a quote from insurance companies which are party to that agreement. The agreement is operated by the Irish Insurance Federation and motor quotes are arranged for motorists under certain criteria including evidence of five refusals of motor cover by member insurers.
