EU directive will ease problems in foreign accidents

6 December 2001: An EU directive will help drivers involved in accidents abroad to quickly process their insurance claims. The directive says insurers must have a representative in each EU country so that all those involved have somebody 'local' to talk to about their claims and difficulties.

The new directive comes into force in 12 months' time, and will also allow cash to be claimed from an EU compensation body if no action is taken on a claim within three months.

The rule should also make it easier to deal with claims from accidents involving foreign drivers in the Ireland. TW