The percentage of uninsured private vehicles on Irish roads has almost halved following the introduction of the new Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID) system, which is aimed at assisting gardaí to easily detect uninsured drivers.
According to research conducted by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI), last year there were 101,881 uninsured private vehicles being driven.
This figure accounted for 4.2% of all private vehicles on Irish roads, and represented a near 50% fall on 2022, which was the last time such research was carried out.
This means the number of uninsured private vehicles has dropped from one in every 12 in 2022, to one in every 25 last year.
Based on the 2022 MIBI research there were around 187,000 uninsured vehicles on Irish roads, which was four times higher than the EU average.
The MIBI estimates that claims involving uninsured drivers add up to €35 to the cost of motor insurance policies.
The IMID came into operation for the first time last year.
The data contained in the database includes policy holder details, vehicles registration numbers and names of drivers that are permitted to driver the vehicles that are covered by each policy.
This information is provided by motor insurers, brokers, fleet owners and motor traders, and is shared with the Department of Transport and An Garda Síochána.
Also included are the driver numbers of every insured driver.
Following the development of the IMID, for the first time the MIBI has been able to examine the number of uninsured commercial vehicles.
The details for these vehicles are legally required to be added to the national fleet database.
The MIBI estimates around 425,000 fleet and motor trade vehicles should be listed on the database, but that so far details for just 364,889 have been provided.
Commenting on the figures, MIBI Chief Executive David Fitzgerald said: “It is very encouraging to see the impact that the new detection system is already having on the number of private uninsured vehicles on our roads.
“From early in its development, we believed IMID would represent a powerful weapon in the battle against uninsured driving and we can now see that theory being turned into reality.
“Following the introduction of this system, last year Gardaí were able to seize 18,676 vehicles in 2024 and issue a further 26,094 summons and charges.
“This system allows Gardaí to see in seconds if a vehicle is uninsured or has not been added to the database, allowing them to act quickly in apprehending any offenders.”
Public consultation
Meanwhile, the Government has launched a public consultation on insurance reform.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to develop a new action plan for insurance reform, with a focus on encouraging further competition in the market and working with stakeholders to enhance transparency and affordability across all types of insurance.
The consultation will be open to submissions for three weeks.
The Government said it is particularly keen to hear from consumers, representative groups, and those operating in the insurance industry.
The last programme of insurance reform saw the introduction of the judicial guidelines, reforms of the Injuries Resolution Board, supporting the development of a Garda Insurance Fraud Coordination Office, and passing legislation in July 2023 revising the duty of care owed by occupiers.
The Alliance for Insurance Reform welcomed the latest public consultation, however, its Chief Executive Brian Hanley said that given the previous reforms, “it must be a source of growing frustration for politicians, as it is to policyholders, that the reforms to date have primarily benefited insurance company profit margins, rather than reducing the premiums people pay”.
He added that “the Alliance will be making a detailed submission and we encourage others to do likewise. Priorities must include attracting new entrants into the liability market as well as facilitating greater settlement volumes at the Injuries Resolution Board.”
He also said that it is “vital” that the Government does not “undermine past achievements and future reform objectives by increasing personal injury awards by 17%, as is currently being considered. Such a step would reduce settlement volumes at the Injuries Board and inevitably lead to increased premiums”.
Article Source – Number of uninsured drivers on roads drops, according to IMID research – RTE
