Members of the Association of British Insurers and Lloyd's Motor Underwriters Association have agreed that, with effect from 1 January 1998, they will no longer issue blanket motor insurance certificates for privately owned motor vehicles insured in the name of an individual.

Blanket certificates do not specify the vehicle which the policyholder is insured to drive, stating that they are covered to drive any vehicle covered by the policyholder and notified to the insurer. The aim is that by 1 January 1998 all motor insurance certificates issued for privately insured vehicles will be on a specified basis only, ie specify the registration number(s) of the vehicle or vehicles which the policyholder will be insured to drive. However, because of the need for insurers to adjust a variety of systems, it may be that not all certificates will be on the new basis from day one.

This change was one element of the package of proposals submitted to Government to reduce insurance evasion, and should considerably help the police and others who are required to check insurance validity.

Notes

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