Mother of six was ‘ fully convinced’ she had insurance cover

A mother of six told Sligo District Court she was fully convinced she was covered by insurance claiming she never got letters of cancellation of the policy.

Before the court was Margaret Philomena Ward ( 29) of Parklands Estate, Tubbercurry who was summoned for not having insurance at Lake Isle Road on July 24th last when stopped by Garda Kieran Higgins. The driver gave an undertaking to produce her insurance in Tubbercurry but none was forthcoming.

Michael Walsh of Allianz insurance told the court that a policy was set up in the defendant’s name on June 8th 2016 and she stated she had a two years no claims bonus. Letters were sent to her on the 8th, 17th and 27th of June requesting she furnish the no claims certificate but it never was received. An insurance certificate wasn’t issued.

On July 1st she rang to say her previous company hadn’t any no claims certificates left. A registered letter was sent to her on July 4th saying the policy was void and a refund cheque was issued on the 15th. It was re- issued on August 9th as she wanted it in her husband Michael’s name. Ward told the court she never got any letter of cancellation and was fully convinced she was covered.

Mr Mark Mullaney, solicitor ( defending) pleaded that the mother six would have to walk her children to school.

Ward was fined € 300 and banned for four years.