The Autobiz "Save the Cars” campaign continues to attract lots of public, political and media attention and has certainly achieved its initial objective of bringing to light the crucial issue of tens of thousands of older cars being unnecessarily scrapped because they cannot be economically insured.

The petition has attracted the support of both the motor trade and motoring public, showing their outrage at the unjust policy by insurers that is slashing vehicle values, causing garage closures and lost jobs, reducing rural mobility and having a negative global environmental impact.

Hand in hand with the petition. Autobiz has also initiated a media campaign and has been actively lobbying TD’s and Senators. The media campaign has seen numerous articles published in the national press, as well as extensive local press and internet coverage. See links below.

Irish Independent – August 1st

The Journal – July 29th

London Times – Irish Edition – July 19th

London Times – Irish Edition - May 22nd

To highlight the issue to Dail and Seanad representatives, Autobiz held a special briefing morning in Buswells Hotel just outside Leinster House. This was attended by 36 TD’s and Senators from all over Ireland. There was cross party support for the campaign and as a direct result of this lobbying 9 questions on the issue were raised in the Dail as well as several in the Seanad. The matter was also brought to the attention of Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar. 

Autobiz representatives have also met with Michael D'Arcy TD, Minister of State at the Department of Finance and his team. At this meeting the issues was discussed in some detail and the Minister was presented with extensive facts and figures on the impact that this policy is having. The Minister has agreed to take up this issue with Insurance Ireland, the representative body of Irish insurers and seek justification for the policy and the increased premiums.

As a result of the campaign insurers are now well aware of the strength of feeling on this matter and in some instances this may even have lead to something of a relaxation in this policy. However, it is vital that the pressure is kept on. To help bring about an end to the unfair and unjust policy and restore common sense there are some action everyone can take: 

• Encourage everyone you know to sign the petition, including family, friends, employees and work colleagues, fellow club members, etc. Remember this does not just affect the motor trade. It has an impact on everyone.
• Share the campaign details with as many people as possible on your social media channels.
• Talk to your public representatives about the issue and make sure they are aware of your strength of feeling.
• Lastly, if you have real life examples of the following please contact Autobiz; -  Examples of extreme insurance quotes you have received on older vehicles,- Vehicles that you are aware of that have been prematurely scrapped or are about to be scrapped because of lack of insurance options,- Examples of dramatic falls in vehicle value due to the policy.

If you have any information on the above please email info@autobiz.ie