HIKES in household premiums are on the cards after insurance companies paid out more than €220 million in claims related to last December’s cold snap.

HIKES in household premiums are on the cards after insurance companies paid out more than €220 million in claims related to last December’s cold snap.

THE insurance industry has predicted insurance costs will rise for female motorists and male pension policies following a landmark ruling by the European Court of Justice that setting insurance prices on the basis of gender is discriminatory.

PROFITS generated by firms operating in the non-life insurance market plunged almost 80% to €228 million last year despite a rise in premiums.

THERE has been a 40% hike in fraud claims reported during the first week of the Irish Insurance Federation’s (IIF) anti-fraud campaign.

Plans have been announced to make the data protection in the insurance sector more secure.

Most drivers admit to driving faster than the speed limit, according to research announced by the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) today.

TWO in five motorists have admitted to drink-driving in the past 12 months, according to a report released yesterday.

MORE than half of Special Saving Incentive Account (SSIA) holders will reinvest all or part of their money when their accounts mature next year.

BARRISTERS have launched a blistering attack on the insurance industry and urged the Government not to proceed with plans to revoke the need for unlimited insurance cover for drivers.

THE Irish Insurance Federation wants a public debate on the levels of compensation awarded in personal injury cases.

MOTORISTS who don't shop around for insurance can end up paying five times too much for cover.

Mike Kemp, chief executive of the Irish Insurance Federation, talks to Ian Guider

CONSUMER groups have called for an immediate reduction in the cost of car insurance after the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) posted record profits last year.

PLANS to treble the number of speed cameras operating across the State by the end of the summer were announced yesterday by Transport Minister Seamus Brennan.

INSURANCE boss Mike Kemp acknowledged yesterday the cost of liability cover had reached crisis proportions.

The Irish Insurance Federation has said the new Government must immediately implement the recent Motor Insurance Advisory Board report if premiums are to be reduced.

The Insurance Federation of Ireland has rejected claims that large profits are being made at the expense of young drivers under 25 years who are seeking insurance.