House accepts car insurance referral for older drivers

The House unanimously accepted President Nikos Christodoulides’ referral of the amendment to the legislation regarding vehicle insurance, that would scrap discrimination against senior drivers, so that corrections could be made and a transitional period introduced.

Parliament had suggested the amendment in order to protect people and ensure the proper implementation of the law.

The referral was approved by 53 votes out of 56 in favour.

The law prohibits insurance companies from arbitrarily refusing to insure elderly drivers and imposes the obligation to justify why an application was rejected.

It also enhances transparency in the insurance sector and aims at preventing discrimination due to age.

The referral was deemed necessary in order to correct legal ambiguities and possible conflicts with constitutional principles.

It also introduces a transitional period for the smooth implementation of the law with provisions for current customers and the gradual implementation of clauses within four months, starting on January 1, 2027.

During the debate, independent MP Alexandra Attalides said the referral did not bring into question the purpose of the law, but would render legislation stronger and more applicable, by adopting legal service suggestions.

Attalides also said insurance companies were cancelling contracts for elderly people pending the implementation of the law.