Hidden car insurance charges face crackdown under Labor plan for drivers competing with Rishi

Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh

On Tuesday, Labor will unveil plans for sweeping measures to crack down on car insurance fraud and sky-high petrol prices, if Sir Keir Starmer wins the next election.

Louise Hay, the shadow transport secretary, will outline the party's plan for drivers as she looks to win the crucial motorist vote from the Tories.

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She will pledge to review «unfair» hidden fees used by insurers to raise premiums and create a watchdog to reduce the cost of fuel at the pump.

Her remarks come as Labor committed to reintroducing A 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, which has been postponed by Rishi Sunak.

Ms Hay will use her speech at the Liverpool conference to accuse the Prime Minister of «repeating bizarre conspiracy theories» rather than helping drivers.

She will commit to speeding up road upgrades , scrapping unnecessary planning rules and setting targets for the installation of electric vehicle charging points.

And she will unveil a new five-point plan for motorists that she will say will save drivers up to £685 a year on insurance and fuel.< /p>

Ms Hay will also take on the Tories, accusing Mr Sunak and his team of spreading conspiracy theories and their opposition to the 15-minute break. city.

“Last week the Conservatives showed how out of touch they are with the reality facing drivers across the country,” Ms Hay said before the speech.

“Instead of supporting drivers through the Cost of Living Crisis, Rishi Sunak has been forced to repeat bizarre conspiracy theories. It's clear he has nothing left in the tank.

PumpWatch

“Labor will tackle the real problems of drivers, with a particular focus on the cost of living.

“Labour's plan means action to tackle unfair spending on gasoline and car insurance, removing barriers to real infrastructure improvements, reducing congestion on our roads and accelerating the rollout of toll points.”

Under her plan, a watchdog would be set up «as soon as possible» to monitor fuel prices, naming and shaming companies that overcharge motorists.

Ms Hay said the scheme was similar to the proposal Government-backed PumpWatch will save drivers up to £47 a year.

She also plans to consult on ways to «tackle unfair insurer practices» after premiums rose well above inflation in recent years.< /p>

This will include considering new measures that would force providers to be more transparent about automatic policy renewals and the hidden fees they charge.

Labour will also consider extending the 14-day period of free fine cancellation for cars. insurance and cracking down on firms with low claims rates.

Ms Hay will separately commission the Competition and Markets Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority to investigate why insurance costs have risen so sharply.