Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

201. To ask the Minister for Finance the options that are open to a person if he or she is of the view that he or she is being discriminated against when it comes to obtaining motor insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36417/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The provisions of the Equal Status Acts 2000-2015 prohibit discrimination in the provision of goods and services, including insurance, on any of the nine main grounds listed in the Acts.  I am unable to comment further in respect of the applicability or otherwise of this legislation, which falls under the remit of the Minister for Justice and Equality, in respect of any particular case(s).

As Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation.  Neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, have the power to direct insurance companies on the pricing or provision of insurance products.  Indeed, the EU framework for insurance expressly prohibits Member States from adopting rules which require insurance companies to obtain prior approval of the pricing or terms and conditions of insurance products.  The provision of insurance cover and the price at which it is offered is a commercial matter for insurance companies and is based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept and adequate provisioning to meet those risks.  These are considered by insurance companies on a case-by-case basis.  

Motor insurers use a combination of rating factors in making their individual decisions on whether to offer cover and what terms to apply.  My understanding is that the factors include those such as the age and type of the car, the age of the driver, the claims record, driving experience, the number of drivers, how the car is used, etc.  Insurers do not all use the same combination of rating factors, prices vary across the market and consumers are free to choose.  Insurance companies also price in accordance with their own past claims experience.

Finally, it may be of interest to you that Insurance Ireland operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance.  Insurance Ireland can be contacted at feedback@insuranceireland.eu or 01-6761914.