Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2016
193. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to introduce legislation compelling motor insurance companies to insure vehicles that are ten years or older and which have a valid national car test certificate and not to victimise persons who possess what may be perfectly sound cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3410/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra194. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that insurance companies will no longer provide quotes for cars that are aged ten years or older; his views on this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3411/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 193 and 194 together. My responsibilities, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, with respect to motor insurance, are limited to the requirement under the Road Traffic Acts relating to compulsory insurance for drivers of mechanically propelled vehicles. I have no role regarding legislation concerning the matter raised, or for the regulation of insurance companies which is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance and the Central Bank The Central Bank also has responsibility for conduct of business rules for motor insurance companies here. The provision of motor insurance is a matter for the motor insurance companies operating in the private sector. At present there are over 30 insurers writing motor insurance in Ireland, as listed on the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) website. I understand from Insurance Ireland that the practices of insurance companies regarding insuring older cars vary, with some not quoting for new customers for certain older cars. However, Insurance Ireland has assured me that no one will be left without insurance for a car aged 10 years or older. Insurance Ireland operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance. If a person is unable to obtain a quotation for motor insurance or feels that the premium proposed or the terms are so excessive that it amounts to a refusal to give them motor insurance, they should contact Insurance Ireland, 5 Harbourmaster Place, IFSC, Dublin 1, DO1 E7E8 - see http://www.insuranceireland.eu/contact - quoting the Declined Cases Agreement. Under the Agreement, the Declined Cases Committee of Insurance Ireland deals with any cases of difficulty in obtaining motor insurance.
