My God..about time too..3rd party at least!

[macfod]

How on earth has this not been acted on before..



Third-party cover could be compulsory
Apr 13, 2008 8:00 AM

Third-party insurance could soon be compulsory for all drivers.

The government is preparing plans to require every driver to have at least that amount of cover, so others won't be left out of pocket when there's a smash.

Transport Minister Harry Duynhoven says the national bill for motorists hit by uninsured drivers runs into millions.

Third party insurance costs about $100 a year for drivers with good track record.

This morning's Sunday Star-Times says it is too soon to say how much the cover would cost, but says premiums are likely to be high for young drivers or those driving modified cars.

Duynhoven says there's a considerable groundswell of support for compulsory third-party insurance, saying the cover is an idea whose time has come.

He says a discussion paper is set to be published this week, and could be ready for public consultation in a matter of months.

However, the insurance industry is giving a cool reception to the plans.

The Insurance Council says while it supports the idea in principle, there is no guarantee it will mean every accident will be covered by someone's insurance.

And CEO Chris Ryan says it won't mean the rest of us end up paying lower premiums.

He says once insurance is compulsory, it means even people who drive like ratbags become part of the insurance pool.

Chris Ryan says another downside is the drain on police resources, making sure people comply with compulsory insurance. Problem motorists may ignore any new rule and even simply refuse to register their vehicles.

He says the industry currently spends about $80 million a year recovering crash costs from people who aren't insured.

[MotherBear]

Beat ya to it , Mark.

[macfod]

Thats what moms do best..