The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) is delighted that following years of negotiation the legislative changes which enable the electronic delivery of motor insurance certificates to customers are about to become law.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed to BIBA that the new regulations have been laid before parliament today. It is intended for the new regulations to be in force on 30th April 2010.

From the end of April, where a customer agrees to electronic delivery with their insurance provider, a certificate can be issued as an email attachment or accessed via a website.

Graeme Trudgill, BIBA Technical and Corporate Affairs Executive, said: “After five years and discussions with numerous ministers, we are delighted to see these changes in legislation.”  This really will benefit everyone - a speedier service for clients and a real benefit for the environment.”

Electronic delivery of motor certificates is expected to ensure that motorists have quicker access via the internet to their certificate if they need it and reduce the environmental burden of 40 million hard copy certificates being printed and posted each year.

Trudgill, added:  “The post strikes really bought home the need for this change and we are delighted consumers will benefit from this.”

The proposed legislation amends the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Motor Vehicle (Third Party Risks) Regulations 1972.

Trudgill concluded: “Our insurance broker members have been pushing for this change to benefit their customers. Our congratulations go to Government for achieving this.”

BIBA has provided some Q&As for motorists regarding the new legislation:

Q. What if I don't have a computer, can you still send me a paper
certificate.

A. Yes, Insurance providers will still send traditional paper
certificates to customers that are unable to receive them online.

Q. Can I print one off at home and use it in my Post Office to tax my
car?

A. Yes, but the printed version must be legible.

Q. When I changed my car or cancelled my policy I would always send my
certificate back - how do I do that now?

A. Your insurance broker or company will confirm what additional action is required, it is likely to require the completion of an easy to understand form, or a printed copy or your certificate to be returned.

Q. Can I make changes to my electronic certificate myself?

A. No, it will be an offence to make changes to it.

Q. How will I receive it?

A. The insurance provider will send it to your nominated email address
or you will be given a password to access it from their secure website.

-ends-

Notes to editors

1. For further information please contact :

BIBA press office:
Leighann Burtrand, Communications Manager
020 7397 0223
burtrandl@biba.org.uk

2. About British Insurance Brokers' Association

The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) is the UK’s leading general insurance organisation representing the interests of insurance brokers, intermediaries and their customers.

BIBA membership includes 1700 regulated firms. Insurance brokers and intermediaries distribute nearly two-thirds of all UK general insurance. In 2008, insurance brokers and intermediaries generated £1.5 billion of invisible earnings and they introduce £22 billion of premium income into London’s insurance market each year.

BIBA is the voice of the industry, advising members, the regulators, the Government, consumer bodies and other stakeholders on key insurance issues.  BIBA provides unique schemes and facilities, technical advice, guidance on regulation and business support and is helping to raise, and maintain, industry standards. BIBA works closely with the Chartered Insurance Institute to provide training to those working in the industry and actively participates in helping the industry and its customers deal with some of the major issues of the day.

BIBA members provide professional advice to businesses and consumers, playing a key role in identification, measurement, management, control and transfer of risk.  They negotiate appropriate insurance protection tailored to individual needs and operate to a very high standard of customer service with the aim of ensuring peace of mind, security, financial protection and the professional advice required.

To find your nearest BIBA broker visit the ‘Find A Broker' section of the BIBA website, www.biba.org.uk or call BIBA’s consumer helpline on 0870 950 1790