“Report cannot be the end” — Swann demands lower insurance costs for NI drivers

Motorists across Northern Ireland facing persistently high insurance premiums are being told that work is continuing at Westminster to tackle the costs driving prices upward, after South Antrim MP Robin Swann welcomed an update from the UK Government on the progress of its motor insurance taskforce.

The latest response, issued by Minister for Local Transport Lilian Greenwood MP, confirms that the taskforce is concentrating on reducing claim costs by tackling inefficiencies within the system and cutting opportunities for fraud and vehicle theft — two factors long cited as major contributors to rising premiums.

However, while welcoming the progress, Mr Swann has warned that publication of a report must not mark the end of the Government’s efforts, as households continue to feel the financial strain of high motoring costs.

He said:

“I am pleased the taskforce has identified the inefficiencies and safety issues that push up costs for motorists. However, the government must not stop their work on this now that a report has been published. We need to see these actions translate into lower premiums for drivers who are struggling with the current cost of insurance.”

Focus on fraud, theft and claim costs

According to the ministerial response, the taskforce’s current work is centred on driving down the overall cost of claims — a key element in how insurers calculate premiums.

This includes efforts to root out inefficiencies in the claims process and reduce the scope for fraudulent claims and vehicle theft, both of which can place upward pressure on prices paid by ordinary drivers.

The Government’s wider update also pointed to work underway on a new Road Safety Strategy, alongside a consultation in England on tougher penalties for those caught driving without insurance or without a valid licence.

These measures, while primarily focused on England, form part of a broader UK-wide approach to improving compliance and reducing risk across the insurance market.

Northern Ireland’s unique pressures remain

A significant part of the minister’s response also acknowledged that Northern Ireland continues to face distinct market conditions which contribute to the cost of insurance.

These include issues around road safety and judicial costs, both of which are devolved matters and therefore fall under the remit of the Northern Ireland Executive rather than Westminster.

That distinction is likely to be significant for drivers locally, where insurance premiums have remained a longstanding source of frustration.

Mr Swann said meaningful change will require coordinated action on both sides of the Irish Sea.

He added:

“Addressing the high cost of car insurance requires effort in both Westminster and Stormont. While the Department for Transport tackles UK-wide issues like fraud, the Northern Ireland Executive must address the specific regional factors that keep our costs high. I will continue to press both the government and the Executive to work together to ensure NI motorists get a fair deal.”

Pressure on Stormont and Westminster to act

The intervention places renewed focus on the role of both governments in addressing the cost burden facing drivers in Northern Ireland.

While Westminster can pursue national reforms around fraud prevention, road safety enforcement and uninsured driving, Stormont retains responsibility for factors specific to the local legal and operational landscape.

That includes costs arising from the judicial system and other regional market pressures which insurers may factor into pricing.

For many drivers already facing rising household bills, any delay in translating policy work into real-world premium reductions is likely to remain a pressing concern.

Mr Swann’s remarks suggest he intends to continue lobbying both the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive for a joined-up response aimed at delivering lower costs for motorists.

What happens next

The key question for drivers will now be whether the taskforce’s findings lead to measurable reductions in premiums over the coming months.

With consultations and strategy work continuing, attention is likely to turn to whether Westminster and Stormont can align policy action quickly enough to ease pressure on households.

For now, the message from South Antrim’s MP is clear: the report may be a step forward, but motorists will judge success by whether insurance bills actually come down.

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At a glance

• South Antrim MP Robin Swann has welcomed an update on the motor insurance taskforce

• The UK Government says the taskforce is targeting fraud, theft and inefficiencies

• Work is aimed at reducing claim costs and stabilising premiums

• A new Road Safety Strategy has also been highlighted

• Consultation is underway on tougher penalties for uninsured and unlicensed drivers in England

• Northern Ireland’s road safety and judicial cost issues remain devolved

• Mr Swann says both Westminster and Stormont must act

• He has warned that publishing a report cannot be the end of the process

• Pressure remains for lower premiums for NI motorists