Uninsured motorist crash claims surge
COST ADDS EXTRA €35 A YEAR TO POLICIES
CLAIMS relating to car accidents involving uninsured drivers have rocketed in the last year — leading to calls for tougher laws against those caught without cover.
The number of claims connected to accidents caused by uninsured or untraced vehicles grew by 11 per cent in 2023, it was revealed yesterday.
It is believed that the cost of covering these accidents added up to €35 to every motor insurance policy issued last year.
Figures published by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland shows they received a total of 1,927 claims — 187 additional claims from the 1,740 they received in 2022.
The largest number of such claims was in Dublin where 822 were lodged, followed by Cork (141), Limerick (112), Kildare (102) and Galway (91).
The number of claims relating to uninsured drivers grew in 14 of the 26 counties across the Republic, with the largest percentage increases occurring in Mayo (up 80 per cent), Meath (up 55 per cent) and Kildare (up 42 per cent).
Law
On the other hand nine counties recorded a drop in the number of claims, with the largest percentage decrease coming in Leitrim which was down 55 per cent.
The chief executive of MIBI David Fitzgerald said the jump in claims by uninsured drivers is hitting law-abiding motorists in the pocket.
He added: “This jump of almost 200 claims due to accidents caused by uninsured vehicles should be a cause of concern for every law-abiding motorist in the country.
“It is illegal to drive without valid motor insurance, yet a significant number of people willingly flout the law.
Mr Fitzgerald also called for tougher measures against those who get behind the wheel without insurance cover.
He added: “We are now providing the Gardaí with updated insurance information for 3m vehicles on Irish roads on a daily basis.
“So if they scan your registration number they’ll know in seconds if there is valid insurance in place or not.”