Insurance costs continue to spiral

INSURANCE costs continued to spiral last month with home and motor premiums increasing as the cost of living jumped 0.7% in the year.

Although the annual rate of inflation rose to 0.7% in October from 0.5% in September, month-on-month prices were flat, according to the figures released by the CSO.

The main factors that contributed to the monthly change in the October consumer price index were increases in house and motor insurance, electricity and the cost of prescribed drugs.