A leading consumer watchdog has slammed plans by insurance companies to impose more hikes to premiums this year, claiming the industry and regulators are effectively “softening up” the public to meekly accept increases at a time when most other costs are tumbling across the economy.

UCD 0 Cabinteely 1

Home insurance flood claims increased by up to 80% in the first three months of this year compared with the corresponding period in 2013 and the same could happen in the New Year, experts warn.

St Patrick’s Athletic 5 UCD 0

UCD 0 Derry City 1

Champions Shamrock Rovers moved into third place in the Airtricity Premier Division and are now just four points behind leaders Sligo Rovers with a fully deserved victory over bottom-of-the-table UCD at the Belfield Bowl last night.

UCD stay rooted to the bottom of the Premier Division after a first-half goal from Stephen McLaughlin was enough to enable Derry to record only their sixth league win of the season at a damp Belfield last night.

Brilliant opportunist goals in each half by evergreen striker Jason Byrne helped Bray secure a vital victory over UCD at the Carlisle Grounds.

HOMEOWNERS looking to renew their home insurance should brace themselves for rises in premiums of up to 15% by the end of the year, the Irish Brokers Association warned yesterday.

HARD-pressed consumers are set to be hit in the pocket yet again after insurers announced plans to raise house premiums by 15%, significantly reduce coverage and force customers to pay up to €1,000 of their claim costs.

HOUSEOWNERS are over-insuring their houses because they are unaware that premiums are calculated on rebuilding costs, not the market value.

A 36-YEAR-OLD Limerick man died in the early hours of Saturday morning as two friends watched in horror as they and a Garda tried valiantly to free him from the submerged car in which he was trapped.