Cost of UK Auto Insurance in 2021 at 6-Year Low, but Cost Pressures Begin to Bite: ABI

The average price paid by motorists for their motor insurance in 2021 fell to its lowest level in six years according to the ABI’s latest Motor Insurance Premium Tracker. However, there is evidence that sustained cost pressures are beginning to impact the cost of cover.

The ABI’s Tracker is the only survey that looks at the price consumers pay for their cover, rather than the price they are quoted.

The latest tracker shows that in 2021:

• The average price paid for comprehensive motor insurance was £434 (US$587). This fell by 7% on 2020 to its lowest level since 2015.
• In the fourth quarter of 2021, the average premium paid rose by £11 ($14.90) on the previous quarter to £440 ($595). Despite this rise, the average premium was 3% lower than the same quarter of 2020.

Pressure on premiums

The rise in the average motor insurance premium paid in the last quarter 2021 highlights that continued cost pressures on insurers could be starting to filter through into the cost of cover.

Between 2015 and 2020, the average amount paid for damage to policyholders’ vehicles increased by 59% and the average paid to third parties for damage to their vehicles rose by 32%.

In addition, supply chain issues that are impacting on other sectors are causing some delays in accessing some replacement parts.

With road traffic returning to pre-lockdown levels, claims are expected to rise.

The Jan. 1st introduction of rule changes by The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to the pricing of motor and home insurance could, as the FCA say, lead to some consumers paying higher prices if they currently benefit from significant new business discounts.

“While we expect the motor insurance market to remain highly competitive in 2022, rising costs for parts, repairs and other supplies and services will continue to put pressure on premiums for motor insurance for both new and existing customers,” according to Laura Hughes, the ABI’s manager, General Insurance.

“Insurers appreciate that many households are facing a cost-of-living squeeze with rising household bills as costs rise in other areas of the economy, and they will be doing all they can to ensure competitively priced motor insurance, in the face of the variety of cost pressures faced,” she added.

“While the FCA pricing rule changes may well lead to fewer introductory discounts, it should still pay to shop around for the best deal for your needs.”