Swann secures Northern Ireland Input to Car Insurance Taskforce

Following Robin Swann MP’s intervention, the Under Secretary of State, Lilian greenwood MP from the Department for Transport has recognised that the concerns the new Car Insurance Taskforce will work on are shared across the UK. They have, therefore, proposed a meeting of the Taskforce that includes representatives from the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive. This meeting will be held to discuss any “key differences in markets across the UK and how these affect the cost of insurance for consumers” and “will evaluate the impact of increased insurance costs on consumers and the insurance industry, including how this impacts different demographics, geographies and communities.”

The South Antrim MP said:

“I am delighted that the Department of Transport has proposed this meeting and will work with the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland to identify and address the unacceptably high quotes too many of our drivers have received.

“Since raising this issue last week, constituents have shared with me some shockingly high insurance quotes which are often more expensive than the car itself - particularly for young and new drivers.

“Insurance rates in Northern Ireland are higher on average than anywhere else in the UK, and I will continue to work to ensure that this Taskforce fully involves Northern Ireland and works to reduce the burden that car insurance costs have had on drivers.”