Number of claims against uninsured drivers falls in Limerick

THE number of motor insurance claims in Limerick relating to uninsured or untraceable drivers has fallen by 16%, according to figures published this week.

This decrease is in contrast to a 17% increase in such claims across the country between January and June when compared to the same period in 2015.

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI), which compiled the figures, says 80 claims relating to accidents in Limerick lodged were over the six month period – down from 95 for the same period in 2015.

This represents the highest reduction in the actual number of claims in any county in Ireland.

Only three other counties recorded decreases over the same period (Donegal: -2%, Kilkenny: -11% and Waterford: -28%) while across the country there were a total of 1,644 claims – up from 1,409 in 2015.

Dublin accounted for 42% of all claims (688)  involving uninsured or untraced drivers while there were significant increases in the number of claims in Roscommon (500%), Longford (167%) and Leitrim (167%).  

Established more than 60 years ago MIBI, which is Funded by motor insurance providers, manages claims against uninsured or untraced drivers. 

“As a not for profit organisation all our claims are funded by the motor insurance providers operating in this country, with the costs ultimately covered by Irish motor insurance customers,”said David Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of the MIBI. 

“On average the MIBI pays out approximately €60 million a year for claims of this nature.  We estimate that accounts for €35 within the cost of the average annual motor insurance premium,”

The MIBI says it will continue to work with various State agencies and An Garda Sciochana in an effort to reduce the number of uninsured drivers.

“These latest figures underline how important that objective is – not just for the MIBI but for all drivers operating in this country who are concerned about their insurance costs,” said Mr Fitzgerald.