High Peak MP Robert Largan has spoken up for emergency first responders in Parliament, many of whom are hit with higher insurance premiums for their private vehicle if they are involved in a minor collision whilst driving under a blue-light.
Robert Largan MP asked the Leader of the House of Commons:
“Can we have a debate on insurance premiums for emergency vehicle drivers? At present, if the driver of a fire engine, ambulance or police car is involved in a collision in a blue-light situation, they are hit by increased insurance premiums. It would seem unfair that some of the most skilled drivers in the country, who are very safe in their normal private driving life, are being hit with extra costs for their personal car for putting themselves at risk for public safety.”
The Leader of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg, replied:
“My hon. Friend raises a point of which many of us in this House were unaware. I see the difficulty that there is for blue-light drivers, who are likely to be trained to a very high standard. Insurers are responsible for setting the terms and conditions of the policies they offer, and it is for them to decide the level of risk they take in issuing any policy to a given applicant. The insurance companies have very large volumes of data from which to estimate their premiums. That makes the setting of premiums a commercial decision for individual insurers based on their underwriting experience, and it is not one where the Government seek to intervene, but my hon. Friend has done a service in bringing this matter to the House’s attention.”
Mr Largan has now written to insurance companies calling on them to review their policies.
Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, commented:
“It is deeply unfair that emergency service vehicle drivers should be penalised by insurance companies, simply for doing their job.
“This cannot be allowed to continue.
“I am determined to keep up the fight and I have now written to a range of insurance companies calling on them to review their policies.”
