The Financial Service Ombudsman Bureau has slammed two of Ireland’s leading insurance companies as they are refusing to issue motor insurance to motorists who currently own a car that is 15 or older. The Ombudsman has claimed insurance companies do not have the right to refuse motorists cover if their currently has a valid NCT certificate.
The two companies at the centre of the controversy, Aviva and Allianz have repeatedly claimed that they will no longer issue cover to new customers who currently drive a cars that is older than 15 years. The companies claim that vehicles of such age tend to be involved in more collisions, used in fraud cases, have bald tyres and are most likely poorly maintained.
The refusal of insurance by the companies has angered the Financial Services Ombudsman Bureau today who spoke to the Sundayworld newspaper about the issue, The Ombudsman told the paper “motorists cannot be left without insurance regardless of how old your car is.” The Ombudsman also said motorists are entitled to a refusal letter from the company explaining their refusal for insurance cover.
The current law states that all insurance companies in Ireland must adhere to the ‘Declined Cases Agreement’ which states that no company can “refuse to provide insurance to an individual seeking insurance, if they have approached at least three insurers and has not been able to obtain cover from them.”