Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
103. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether, with regard to car insurance industry, it is reasonable for an insurance car provided to demand an additional €1,138 when the insured person is changing address to a new home in rural County Longford. [9544/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset you should note that neither I, as Minister for Finance, nor the Central Bank of Ireland can interfere in the provision or pricing of insurance products or have the power to direct insurance companies to provide cover to specific individuals or businesses. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive) which expressly prohibits Member States from doing so. Consequently, I am not in a position to direct insurance companies as to how they price their policies or what terms and conditions they apply in those policies.
On a general level, my understanding is that insurers will use a combination of rating factors in making their individual decisions on whether to offer cover and what terms to apply. For example, in relation to motor insurance, factors may include those such as the age of the driver and the relevant driving experience, as well as the age and type of vehicle, how the vehicle is used, the claims record, the number of drivers, and the location of storage and use. Insurers also price in accordance with their own past claims experience, and do not all use the same combination of rating factors, so as a result prices vary across the market. In addition to the above, I am not in a position to compel insurers to disclose information such as actuarial data covering the geographic basis of claims history and how it affects the pricing of premiums.
In my view, it is important for consumers to shop around on their insurance policies. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), on its website, recommends that consumers get quotes from a number of insurance companies, including their current one. Their website also includes a car insurance shopping around checklist and other tips on cutting car insurance costs which may prove useful to consumers.
I would also note that if a consumer has a complaint with the service of their insurance provider, it is advisable that they make a complaint to the firm's internal complaint resolution process. The Consumer Protection Code requires that if after 40 days the complaint has not been resolved to the customer’s satisfaction, the regulated entity must inform the consumer that they may refer their complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). The FSPO is a statutory official who acts as an independent arbiter of disputes which consumers may have with their insurance company or other financial service provider. The FSPO can be contacted either by email at info@fspo.ie or by telephone at 01-5677000.
Finally, Insurance Ireland, the representative body for insurance providers in this country, operates an Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance, which can be accessed at: feedback@insuranceireland.eu.
