What does this mean for insurance premiums?

The change in the Discount Rate will lead to higher costs for insurers. This is because the Government had previously indicated that the rate would be set between 0 and 1% and most insurers were basing their claims costs on this, and not on the previous rate of minus 0.75%, in order to keep costs and premiums as low as possible. As the new rate is below this range, insurers will have to increase the money they set aside to pay future claims which will inevitably increase the pressure on premiums. This is especially true for younger drivers who are statistically more likely to be involved in the types of accident that lead to these claims.

While motor insurance remains a very competitive market, in which individual insurers will make their own commercial decisions about premiums, PWC has estimated the Discount Rate change could lead to the average motor insurance premium increasing by between £15 and £25, going up by as much as £50 to £75 for younger drivers.