Is there anything that I can do to prevent my premium from increasing? There are many actions with little or no cost that can be done. Tip 33 – Reasons why claim costs are increasing – Social Welfare A recent change which has impacted on insurance claims costs has come about from the change in Social Welfare payments now being passed to general insurers for sick leave arising out of accidents to employees where an injury has occurred. This can be an accident at work where the Employers Liability Insurer for the employer is now liable to reimburse benefit payments to claimants before the injury claim is finally settled. It also applies to Public Liability claimants. It is also true to say that the costs for General Damages being awarded in the courts have increased substantially in recent times. Since the establishment of the Personal Injuries Board a Book of Quantum was finally compiled. This literally puts a price on the compensation to expect depending upon the nature and extent of injury. (See www.injuriesboard.ie/Book_Quantum ) The positive outcome from this development is that using the Injuries Board eliminates Third Party legal costs but it is unfortunately true to say that the awards set out are higher than ever before. Please always keep in mind that it is consistently true to say that in the vast majority cases when an accident occurs, it could have been prevented. Be diligent! Always remember – call us to discuss any/every incident. We will advise and guide you.