The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) has launched a national consultation to gather views on the role insurers can play in improving road safety for young drivers. The consultation follows a report from the Coroner’s Office of Coventry and Warwickshire into the tragic deaths of Harry Purcell and Matilda (Tilly) Seccombe, who were killed in a road traffic collision involving a 17-year-old driver, who was later convicted of causing death by careless driving.
The Coroner’s Office recognised the important convening role the CII plays across the profession, calling on the organisation to consider how the insurance profession could contribute to improving road safety among young drivers, with a particular focus on the use of telematics. The professional body is now seeking input from members, stakeholders, and public interest groups to understand how the profession can support safer driving behaviours and reduce risk among newly qualified drivers.
Evidence shows that around one in five drivers are involved in a car crash within a year of passing their test, and younger drivers are more likely to be involved in collisions linked to speed. Telematics - technology that monitors driving behaviour - has been identified as a potentially important tool in addressing these risks. When used effectively, it can provide feedback to drivers and support parental awareness, both of which have been shown to reduce risky driving behaviours.
The Coroner’s report raised concerns about the variation in how telematics is applied across the insurance market, and how clearly its safety benefits are communicated to young drivers and their families.
Through this consultation, the CII aims to:
- Explore how insurers currently use telematics to promote safer driving
- Understand how clearly telematics products are explained, particularly to young drivers and their parents
- Identify opportunities for insurers to play a stronger role in improving road safety outcomes
- Ensure high professional standards across the insurance sector in supporting safer driving practices
Matthew Hill, Chief Executive of the CII Group, said: “This tragedy reminds us of the risks faced by young drivers and the devastating consequences road collisions can have. We welcome the Coroner’s recognition of the role the CII can play in bringing together interested parties to contribute to improving road safety, and this consultation is an important step to understanding what more can be done. We will enlist support from our members, the wider sector and other stakeholders to make a demonstrable difference, and save lives.”
The CII Young drivers and road safety consultation can be accessed here.