Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
308. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on whether it is appropriate that some individuals are losing their no claims bonus for motor insurance while being off the road on medical grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26619/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, neither I, as Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can direct the pricing or provision of insurance products, as this is a commercial matter which individual companies assess on a case-by-case basis. This position is reinforced by the EU Single Market framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive).
The administration of no claims bonuses is a matter for each individual insurance provider. The amount of discount offered, and the terms and conditions attached to same, will vary according to the consumer, policy, the nature of the risk, and the provider.
Regarding the general provision of insurance policies, it is understood that firms will use a combination of rating factors in making their individual decisions on whether to offer insurance cover and what terms to apply. Insurers also price in accordance with their specific claims experience and do not use the same combination of rating factors.
The Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 protects against discrimination on nine specific grounds, including age. However, the legislation also provides that people can be treated differently on any of the grounds (except gender) in relation to the provision of annuities, pensions, insurance policies or any other matter related to the assessment of risk, where such differences are based on the reasonable application of actuarial or statistical data or other relevant underwriting or commercial facts.
The revised Consumer Protection Code 2025, which came into effect on 24 March 2026, notes firms' obligation to act honestly, fairly, and professionally in accordance with the best interests of their clients. The Code states that, where a No Claims Bonus has been applied to a premium, the insurance policy issued to the consumer shall include: “the terms and conditions that apply to such discount, including any restrictions on the use or availability of the discount.”
It is therefore advisable for policyholders to take note of how long of a gap in cover their insurance company allows before a No Claims Bonus becomes invalid, this is typically 24 months but varies between insurers.
The Government is firmly committed to addressing transparency, affordability and availability of insurance through implementing the reforms set out in the Programme for Government and the Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2025-2029, to deliver tangible improvements in cost, choice, and access for all consumers.
