The Tánaiste, Ms Mary Harney, has announced new rules
for motor insurance renewals.
In a move designed to give motorists more time to look for competitive quotes, the new rules will require insurers to give policyholders a minimum of 15 days notice of renewal of policies.
Insurers will also be required to include a copy of the customer’s no claims bonus with the notification. The new regulations will come into effect on October 31st.
"In the past, late notification of renewal policies from insurers has curtailed the ability of many consumers to shop around for the most suitable policies to meet their needs," she said.
Ms Harney, who is also Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment said this is the first of a package of measures to be introduced based on the recommendations of the Motor Insurance Advisory Body Report issued three months ago. The 750-page report made 67 recommendations.
"It is my clear intention that the other recommendations of the report are treated with the same urgency," she said.
The report also showed that the insurance industry here is ten times more profitable in absolute terms than its larger counterpart in the UK.