Debate contribution: Motor Insurance
Debate contribution by Mr John O'Dowd on .
- MLA
- Mr John O'Dowd
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 12 October 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Motor Insurance
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5786113
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I recognise the significant pressures that high motor insurance premiums are placing on citizens across the North. While insurance regulation is a reserved matter, I have continued to engage with the British Government, regulators and the insurance industry to highlight concerns about affordability and to press those with responsibility to take action to improve outcomes for consumers. The industry has pointed to a range of factors that it believes contribute to higher premiums here, and my officials have been facilitating discussions between the industry and relevant Departments on issues that fall within their areas of responsibility locally. One issue that my officials continue to engage with the industry on is the extent to which the absence of regulations for claims management companies may be impacting premiums. I asked the Association of British Insurers (ABI) in February 2025 to provide written evidence on the matter. My officials received the ABI's evidence only late last week. While I am disappointed that I had to wait nearly 20 months for that to be provided, officials are now actively considering it. Once the evidence has been assessed, I will carefully consider the appropriate next steps.
191 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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