Transport Committee re-opens insurance premiums inquiry
(Source: Law Gazette - http://lawgazette.co.uk/news/transport-committee-re-opens-insurance-premiums-inquiry)
The transport committee has re-opened its inquiry into cost of motor insurance and has called on former Justice Minister Jack Straw to give oral evidence.
Committee chair Louise Ellman, a Labour/Co-operative MP, said Straw’s recently published report on the rising cost of premiums would make a ‘powerful contribution’ to the debate.
Straw’s report was highly critical of insurers taking referral fees from personal injury solicitors, and called for a ban on such payments.
It also addressed the increase in the number of personal injury claims resulting from motor accidents and the role of claims management companies.
Ellman said: ‘Motorists continue to suffer as premiums increase and there is mounting evidence that the insurance industry itself is part of the problem.
‘Jack Straw’s research is a powerful contribution to the debate and as well as hearing what he has to say I will want to hold the insurance industry and the government to account.'
The meeting will take place in the autumn, with a date still to be announced, and other witnesses will be called.
