Electronic car insurance certificates welcomed

The government has announced plans to allow the transfer of car insurance certificates through the internet.

Speaking at the Association of British Insurer's (ABI) conference, road safety minister, Jim Fitzpatrick, said the government would introduce procedures to allow certificates to be delivered by email.

"This announcement will have significant benefits for motorists," said Justin Jacobs, the ABI's assistant director of property, motor and liability.

"Enabling the use of the latest technology will improve customer service and will bring insurance technology into line with other industries."

The changes will make the industry more efficient said Mr Jacobs.

"The insurance industry will in the future be able to provide quicker, more convenient and more reliable delivery of these important documents to their customers.

"And the move will save the industry between £5 to £10 million a year. Electronic delivery also has the benefit of being more environmentally friendly," concluded Mr Jacobs.

The ABI claims this as a victory, having previously lobbied the government for a change in the law.