Proposed Reform Of Consumer Insurance Contracts

Introduction

The Law Reform Commission has published its long-awaited report on consumer insurance contracts, including a draft Consumer Insurance Contracts Bill 2015. The report makes 105 recommendations for reforms to the rules, which date largely from the 18th century. According to the commission, the rules do not reflect the existing realities of the bargaining powers of consumers compared to large insurers.

The reforms apply to any insurance contract (life or non-life) between an insurer and a consumer. They do not apply to:

• insurance brokers or insurance intermediaries;
• reinsurance contracts; or
• marine, air or transport insurance contracts.

Definition of 'consumer'