Government launches taskforce to tackle soaring car insurance costs; How can it help the taxi industry?
Today, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh and Economic Secretary Tulip Siddiq will convene key industry figures to address the sharp rise in car insurance premiums.
The summit will include input from groups such as the Association of British Insurers, Citizens Advice, and Compare the Market, alongside regulators. Their aim is to find solutions to the 21% rise in premiums since June 2022, a far steeper increase than seen in other European nations.
The newly launched Motor Insurance Taskforce will spearhead the Government’s efforts to control escalating costs. Its focus will be to identify and tackle the factors pushing up premiums, including inflation, car theft, and poor road conditions. The Government has already committed to fixing up to a million potholes each year, as part of its plan to reduce the cost burden on motorists.
This taskforce is a key part of the Government’s pledge to make driving more affordable, particularly for groups disproportionately affected by high insurance costs. Younger drivers, older people, those from ethnic minority backgrounds, and those on lower incomes are among the most affected by the rising premiums.
The taskforce will work closely with industry regulators such as the Financial Conduct Authority and the Competition and Markets Authority. Together, they will explore whether drivers are getting fair value for their money and investigate the specific pressures driving up prices.
This initiative forms part of the Government’s broader commitment to ease the cost of living, boost economic growth, and remove barriers for drivers across the UK.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: “Car insurance is an essential, not a luxury. It is vital to accessing economic opportunities, and this Government is committed to getting costs under control. That’s why we’re taking direct action to bring insurance companies and regulators round the table to discuss how we can crack down on spiraling costs.
“The rising cost of cover affects all drivers, but some groups have been hit harder than others. No matter your background or circumstance, this Government is determined to ensure drivers get a fair deal.
“Our new expert taskforce is a major step forward in delivering a fair deal for drivers. It will give this issue the attention it deserves – rooting out the factors driving up costs for industry, and ensuring drivers are able to hit the road.”
James Court, Chief Executive of EVA England, says: “Today's announcement of a new Government taskforce to tackle spiralling insurance costs is a welcome step forward to bring urgently needed protection for drivers.
“While EVs break down much less often, when they do EV drivers are especially at risk, in experiencing some 72% increases in premiums in the worst of cases. We must tackle the deeper underlying roots behind these rises, stemming from a lack of skills for mechanics, supply chain issues and a lack of long-term data. We're finding that EV drivers in particular are experiencing longer repair times and higher costs than petrol and diesel owners, for instance, all of which are feeding into higher EV premiums. We stand ready to support the Government in identifying these root causes and putting this growing issue to rest."
How could the Motor Insurance Taskforce help the taxi industry?
The launch of the Motor Insurance Taskforce could bring significant relief to the taxi industry, which has been hard-hit by rising insurance premiums. With motor insurance costs increasing by 21% since June 2022, taxi operators, who rely heavily on vehicle use, face greater financial pressures than most.
By addressing the factors behind rising premiums—such as inflation, car theft, and poor road conditions—the taskforce’s work could help reduce operational costs for taxi drivers and firms. This could be especially beneficial for independent drivers, who often bear the brunt of insurance costs directly.
Furthermore, taxi drivers, who typically have higher mileage and operate in urban areas with greater risks, may see targeted solutions emerge from the taskforce. Reducing the financial strain on drivers would not only improve their livelihood but could also help stabilise fares for passengers.
As part of the Government’s broader plan to ease cost pressures, this initiative has the potential to create a fairer and more sustainable insurance market, benefiting both the taxi industry and its customers.
