Michael McGrath
Ceist:161. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of instances of flood victims being denied flood insurance post a claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6526/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 12 February 2019
Ceisteanna (161, 162)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:162. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the record of claims regarding flood and burst pipe insurance of an organisation (details supplied) from 2013 to 2018, inclusive, and to date in 2019, by the number of burst pipes and fluvial and coastal flooding figures, respectively, will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6527/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together.
Insurance Ireland has advised me that they do not collate, publish or communicate any data relating to claims information at a granular level from their members. They have pointed out that property insurance policies cover a range of perils such as fire, storm, theft, water damage, and it is not possible to isolate the number of burst pipes, fluvial or coastal flooding claim figures. They have however collated some general data on severe weather events (storm and flood) in an aggregated form. According to their latest data, the aggregate cost to insurers of adverse weather events for the period 2013-May 2018 is approximately €311 million.
Additionally, Insurance Ireland has advised that they do not collect data relating to claims information or underwriting decisions of members, including instances of flood victims being denied flood insurance post a claim.
Government policy in relation to flooding as the Deputy is aware is focused on the development of a sustainable, planned and risk-based approach to dealing with flooding problems. This in turn should lead to the increased availability of flood insurance. To achieve this aim, there is a focus on:
- prioritising spending on flood relief measures by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and relevant local authorities;
- development and implementation of plans by the OPW to implement flood relief schemes; and,
- ongoing communication between the OPW and the insurance industry, in order to reach a better understanding about the provision of flood cover in marginal areas.
The above approach is complemented by a Memorandum of Understanding between the OPW and Insurance Ireland, which provides for the exchange of data in relation to completed flood defence schemes which should provide a basis for the increased provision of flood insurance in areas where works have been completed. The Insurance Ireland/OPW working group, which the Department of Finance attends, meets on a quarterly basis to support the information flow and improve the understanding of issues between both parties.
It is also worth noting, that a consumer can make a complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) in relation to any dealings with a Financial Services or Insurance provider during which they feel they have been unfairly treated. In addition, individuals who are experiencing difficulty in obtaining flood insurance or believe that they are being treated unfairly may contact Insurance Ireland which operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to insurance.