Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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535. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some insurance companies are refusing to quote persons if they are unemployed; his plans to ensure that this practice is stopped; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4132/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Insurance companies are private companies and the EU framework for insurance expressly prohibits Member States from adopting rules which require 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.

An insurance company considers many risk factors when calculating an insurance premium. Some occupations would be considered riskier by some individual insurers based on their underwriting criteria driven by their historical claims experience.

However, if no quotation can be secured, including with a renewal premium, the Declined Cases Agreement can be used by members of the public to secure a quotation. Insurance Ireland operates a free insurance information service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance. All calls regarding refusal to quote, or quotations that are so excessive as to be in effect a refusal, should be directed to Insurance Ireland by phone at (01) 676 1820, by email at declined@insuranceireland.ie or by post at 5 Harbourmaster Place, IFSC, Dublin 1, quoting the Declined Cases Agreement.