Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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118. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the fact that some insurance companies refuse to quote for private motor insurance cover if the policyholder has had a claim in the past number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19710/18]

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 has 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 such rules. 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. Factors include, for example, the age and type of the vehicle, the age of the driver, the relevant driving experience, the claims record of the driver, the number of drivers and how the vehicle is used. Their own previous claims experience in this area will also be a relevant factor.

Finally, as the Deputy may be aware, under the terms of the Declined Cases Agreement (DCA), which is adhered to by all motor insurers in Ireland, if a consumer is unable to secure a quotation on the open market, he or she may be in a position to avail of the Declined Cases Agreement (DCA) process. Under the terms of the DCA, the insurance market will not refuse to provide insurance to an individual seeking insurance if the person has approached at least three insurers and has not been able to obtain cover from them. In this regard, there are further details available on the Insurance Ireland website while Insurance Ireland also operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance. The relevant contact details are:feedback@insuranceireland.eu ordeclined@insuranceireland.eu or 01-6761914.