Insurance companies defend decision not to issue rebates despite impact of pandemic on traffic volumes and claims

Insurance companies have defended their decision not to issue rebates to motorists, despite fewer claims and lower traffic volumes due to the pandemic. 

It comes as a taxi group and opposition parties call for partial refunds, similar to the small rebates issued last year.

CEO of Insurance Ireland Moyagh Murdock says reduced premiums alleviate the need for rebates, "The latest CSO figures, which have been published for 2020 are showing a 6.6% reduction in premiums for motor insurance. That is actually a significant reduction this year and it is actually in excess of even the rebate that we saw last year."