§ Dr. HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the UK insurance industry about promoting plain English in insurance policies. [99594]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonI have been asked to reply.
Policy terms and conditions, and the way they are presented, are ultimately matters for individual insurers. However, the use of Plain English is to be encouraged, not least because of the commercial benefits that accrue from customer satisfaction.
29WThe Association of British Insurers, whose members provide 96 per cent. of insurance in the United Kingdom, has promoted better practice. In this area, its Statement of General Insurance Practice notes that insurers will continue to develop more explicit proposal forms and policy documents, while bearing in mind the legal nature of insurance contracts.
§ Dr. HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to encourage the insurance industry to provide more information to customers about its practice of premium-loading after claims. [99593]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonI have been asked to reply.
None. It is for insurance companies themselves to determine the terms and conditions of their policies and the premiums that they charge in the light of their assessment of the perceived risk and the need to remain competitive.