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Car Insurance costs more in NI

Mon, 14 Nov 2005

Drivers in Northern Ireland have to pay more for their Car Insurance cover than other drivers in the UK.

New research by the Automobile Association (AA) has discovered that insurance premiums in Northern Ireland cost an average of ten per cent more than in the UK's accident and theft hotspots, reports the BBC.

The survey shows that average premiums in Northern Ireland cost ten per cent more than in London and Manchester and are 25 per cent higher than Birmingham, despite 30 per cent fewer cars being stolen in Belfast.

Insurance providers cite the region's court system as a reason behind the expensive cover as it tends to award higher personal injury costs.

However, Gerry Lee of the Motor Accident Solicitors Society told the BBC that many claims are settled out of court.

"The County Court will confirm that there are very few claims these days going to court compared to many years ago," said Mr Lee.

"That is because the insurance industry and a lot of the claimants solicitors are able to settle a lot of claims and that means insurance companies are quite happy to pay these awards."

In the past insurance companies have also cited political troubles and related crime as reasons for high priced insurance cover, however, the AA claim this is no longer the case and that Northern Irish motorists should see their Car Insurance premiums reduced.


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