(150 words)

Action will be taken to allow consumers to receive their motor insurance certificates by email, it was announced by Jim Fitzpatrick MP, Road Safety Minister, at the ABI’s Motor Conference. This is a success for the ABI, which has been calling for a change in the law so that customers can benefit from new technology and receive their motor insurance certificates electronically.

Justin Jacobs, the ABI’s Assistant Director of Property, Motor and Liability said:

“This announcement will have significant benefits for motorists.  Enabling the use of the latest technology will improve customer service and will bring insurance technology into line with other industries.

“The insurance industry will in the future be able to provide quicker, more convenient and more reliable delivery of these important documents to their customers. And the move will save the industry between £5-10m a year. Electronic delivery also has the benefit of being more environmentally friendly.”

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Notes

1.            Enquiries to:       

         Alan Leaman    020 7216 7440 (Mobile: 07957 482 330)

         Malcolm Tarling    020 7216 7410 (Mobile: 07776 147 667)

         Jonathan French   020 7216 7392 (Mobile: 07958 330 480)

         Erfan Hussain       020 7216 7411 (Mobile: 07712 841 184)

         Kelly Ostler        020 7216 7415 (Mobile: 07968 364 302)      

2.            The ABI’s response to the Department for Transport’s consultation is available by clicking on the link below.

3.            The ABI is the trade association for Britain’s insurance industry. Its nearly 400 member companies provide over 94% of the insurance business in the UK. It represents insurance companies to the Government, and to the regulatory and other agencies, and is an influential voice on public policy and financial services issues. ABI member companies hold up to a sixth of all investments traded on the London Stock Exchange, on behalf of millions of pensioners and savers.

4.            An ISDN line is available for broadcasts.