Recently many constituents have contacted me regarding the extremely high cost of motor vehicle insurance. These inquires have included significant, unexplained increases in renewal premiums for exsisting policy holders and the unaffordable quotes for new drivers.
I therefore raised this issue with the Financial Conduct Authority who are the regulators for the motor vehicle insurance industry. The FCA responded with the below.
I will continue to press for meaningful action.
Dear Mr Allen
Re: High cost of motor vehicle insurance
Thank you for your letter.
I understand that your constituent has expressed concern about the high cost of motor vehicle insurance for her son. Additionally, you would like us to set out what measures are being taken to ensure that affordable insurance policies are accessible to Northern Ireland residents.
Price increases inflation continues to have a significant impact on the price of insurance, mostly because the cost of repairs has gone up. We have, and will continue to, analyse industry data. This includes recent research by the Association of British Insurers (ABI), which estimates that the cost of vehicle repairs has increased by 33%. Cost increases were said to include:
• Energy inflation is adding to each repair.
• Average paint and material costs have increased by nearly 16%.
• Courtesy car costs to repairers are increasing at around 30%.
• In addition, the average price of second-hand cars has jumped by 30% in three years.
Unfortunately, additional costs associated with the fulfilment of claims are likely to result in an increase in the premiums charged by insurers, as they need to be able to sufficiently cover these costs. The ABI has found that premiums for motor insurance have risen, on average, 21% since June 2022.
However, we recognise that some consumers, including younger drivers, may see their premiums rise much more than the market average.
We would encourage people to shop around to see whether they can find a better deal. Additionally, if they believe the price increase is not fair or has not been fairly communicated and explained, they should complain to the firm. If they are not satisfied with the response, they can refer their complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Our work on motor premiums
We recognise the importance of fair value for families and individuals for all financial services including insurance. Although we do not set prices or the level of cover, where firms do offer services, we have expectations on the way that they conduct themselves. We are closely monitoring the motor insurance market in the wake of price rises and will intervene where we find customers are being treated unfairly.
For example, we are currently taking robust action in cases where claims handling practices are not delivering value, in instances where firms still appear to be earning higher levels of profit for loyal, long-term customers, and where we have concerns about the value of GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) insurance.
We are monitoring firms closely and expect to continue to focus on claims handling in firms, through multi-firm or thematic reviews, but also data-led interventions on individual firms.
Insurance coverage in Northern Ireland.
We recognise that motor insurance in Northern Ireland may be more expensive compared to other parts of the United Kingdom. There are a number of reasons for this, including fewer insurers offering cover in Northern Ireland, as well as a more rural landscape resulting in higher mileages and therefore an increased risk of accidents.
We are having ongoing conversations with the Association of British Insurers and the British Insurance Brokers' Association to see what can be done to improve access and affordability of insurance in Northern Ireland. We will also be speaking to HM Treasury about this issue.
I hope this reply will provide some useful insight into why Northern Ireland customers may be facing higher premiums, along with assurance that insurance companies are required to be able to demonstrate that their policies continue to provide value to their customers.