Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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108. To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in respect of commercial fleet insurance policies, including for taxis, a person's driving record is not recognised if they are not a named driver on the policy; if his attention has been further drawn to the impact this has for persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47649/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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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 can interfere in the provision or pricing of insurance products, as these matters are of a commercial nature, and are determined by insurance companies based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept.  Nevertheless, I have consulted Insurance Ireland to obtain an understanding of the background to the issue highlighted in the Deputy’s question. 

Insurance Ireland indicated that in general named drivers on policies do not earn no claims discounts. Some insurers may offer introductory discounts to named drivers.  However whether a named driver, on a taxi policy or commercial fleet policy, receives an introductory discount depends on the length of their driving record and number of years claims free driving they have.  I understand that this is considered against the backdrop of each individual insurer’s overall claims experience.

I have been advised that a situation where a person is not a named driver on an employer’s commercial policy might arise where he or she  is provided with access to a vehicle with the consent of the employer and is covered under an open driving policy.  In such a scenario, Insurance Ireland  confirmed that the same principle of not earning a no claims discounts also applies. They indicated that an employer can confirm in a letter to an insurer that such a person has not had an accident which has resulted in a claim being submitted on the policy.  However, it would be a matter for the insurer to decide whether to accept such a confirmation as relevant to its risk assessment of whether to provide cover or not and at what price to the person in question.

Finally, you should note 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.euor 01-6761914.