Downhill drive – large quarterly drop sees the cost of motor insurance fall to a two-year low

Today’s figures reveal that:

• The average price paid for motor insurance in the first quarter of the year was £466, the lowest quarterly figure since Q1, 2017.
• The average premium fell by £15 on the previous quarter and was the largest quarter on quarter fall since 2013. This was the fourth consecutive quarter year- on-year premium decrease.

Reasons for this significant fall are likely to be some insurers passing on expected cost savings in anticipation of the reforms of the Civil Liability Act, which will deliver a fairer compensation system for claimants, and continued competitive premiums for motorists. Also, new vehicle registrations in March saw a rise in new cars purchased, typically by more mature, lower risk drivers.

Mark Shepherd, ABI’s Assistant Director, Head of General Insurance Policy, said:

“The falling cost of motor insurance is great news for motorists after several years of rising premiums, which largely reflected the UK’s costly personal injury compensation system. As the industry promised, motorists are now beginning to see the benefits of the personal injury reforms recently enacted.

“However, some cost pressures remain, with rising repair costs, and the Government needing to resist any temptation to further increase Insurance Premium Tax. So motorists should continue to make the most from a competitive market by shopping around for the best deal for their needs.”

-ENDS-

Notes for Editors

Enquiries to:
Malcolm Tarling                        020 7216 7410    Mobile: 07776 147667
Sarah Cordey                           020 7216 7375    Mobile: 07860 189071
Dominic Stannard                     020 7216 7350    Mobile: 07725 245838

1. The Association of British Insurers is the voice of the UK’s world leading insurance and long-term savings industry.

A productive, inclusive and thriving sector, we are an industry that provides peace of mind to households and businesses across the UK and powers the growth of local and regional economies by enabling trade, risk taking, investment and innovation.

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