South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has urged the Competition Commission to ensure that their report into the costs of private car insurance is made available soon – time is now up – consumers need lower costs and accessibility to the insurance market.
Margaret Ritchie said: “Over the last couple of years many young people and older people have approached me regarding the fact that they have found great difficulty in accessing the insurance market due to the high level of costs. xa0 As a consequence, younger people havexa0 been unable to access jobs due to the need to drive a car, and it also prevents the mobility of older people, particularly in rural communities.xa0 High costs of insurance have also had an impact on an economy struggling out of the economic downturn.
“Overxa0 two years ago, I had an Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons regarding this matter where I was advised by the Treasury Minister, David Gauke MP that the matter had been referred to the Competition Commission for investigation and possible avenues for resolution. At that stage, the Minister was hopeful that a report would be published into this matter at an early opportunity.
“This investigation has taken longer than expected. xa0 Whilst this investigation has been prolonged,xa0 many people have still told me that the cost of private car insurance is still an impedimentxa0 to them being able to use a car for job purposes or for simple social mobility purposes.
“Time has now been called on this investigation by the Competition Commission – the cost of private car insurance is still a major issue.xa0 There are barriers to entry for potential young drivers and older people as outlined in interim Competition Commission reports.
