Nicosia, Cyprus. A legislative proposal to amend the law on insurance for elderly drivers was on Monday forwarded to the House plenum. The proposal was discussed at the House human rights committee.
Committee discussion and support
Committee chair Irini Charalambides described the proposal as very important and said committee members had indicated their intention to vote in favour.
Charalambides said the proposal aims to address a problem faced by elderly drivers who face increased premiums even when only paying for third-party insurance. She said a clear framework was needed to prevent abuse at any level, adding that she supports the proposal, plans to vote for it, and hopes for unanimous House approval.
Attalides’ proposal and rationale
The proposal was submitted by MP Alexandra Attalides, who described the bill as the result of a long and demanding process and said she first submitted it three years ago.
Attalides said the proposal would end discrimination against drivers solely on the basis of age. She said discussions in committee showed that age alone does not constitute a risk, citing figures submitted during the process.
“These are not opinions; they are figures that were submitted. Therefore, no one can any longer cite age as the sole reason for refusing to take out or renew a policy, or for increasing premiums,” she said.
Driving licences and mobility
Attalides said that when a person holds a valid driving licence issued following a medical assessment, additional measures should not be imposed that prevent them from exercising their right to mobility.
She said this was particularly relevant in a state that does not provide adequate support for the elderly or sufficient public transport alternatives.
How should insurance policy decisions be made when a driver holds a valid licence issued after a medical assessment?