What is the Ogden Rate and why are my premiums going up?
What is the Ogden Rate?
The Ogden Rate, also called the ‘discount rate’ is used to calculate the level of compensation a person who suffers personal injury receives over their lifetime. It works on the principle that the compensation awarded will gain interest over time and this more significant with larger claims from more serious injuries.
Why has it changed?
The change in the discount rate is a consequence of the low interest levels in recent years resulting in a review by the Lord Chancellor. The review concluded an adjustment of rate should apply and came in to effect on 20th March 2017, reducing it from 2.5% to -0.75%.
How does this affect insurance premiums?
An example from Allianz Insurance uses a 30 year old man earning £25,000 a year suffering serious injuries and requiring care for the rest of his life. Before the reduction in the Ogden rate, the amount due from the insurer would have been calculated at £2,791,000 and after 20th March 2017, £6,325,000. This extra cost to the insurers can only be recovered by increasing premiums.
What premiums will be affected?
Premiums will increase on all policies which are affected by personal injury claims meaning an impact on millions of motor policy holders whether it’s a car, van or fleet insurance as well as other policies covering liability insurance, particularly business insurance. PricewaterhouseCoopers estimated recently that comprehensive motor insurance policies could increase by up to £75 on average but up to £1000 for young drivers.
