Nicosia, Cyprus. The House accepted President Nikos Christodoulides’ referral of an amendment to vehicle insurance legislation aimed at scrapping discrimination against senior drivers, so corrections could be made and a transitional period introduced. The referral was approved by 53 votes out of 56 in favour.
Purpose of the amendment
Parliament had suggested the amendment in order to protect people and ensure the proper implementation of the law. The law prohibits insurance companies from arbitrarily refusing to insure elderly drivers and requires them to justify why an application was rejected.
Transparency and non-discrimination provisions
The legislation enhances transparency in the insurance sector and aims to prevent discrimination due to age.
Reasons for the referral and implementation timeline
The referral was deemed necessary to correct legal ambiguities and possible conflicts with constitutional principles. It 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.
Debate in Parliament
During the debate, independent MP Alexandra Attalides said the referral did not bring into question the purpose of the law, but would render the legislation stronger and more applicable by adopting legal service suggestions. She also said insurance companies were cancelling contracts for elderly people pending the implementation of the law.
How will the transitional period affect your vehicle insurance if you are an elderly driver?