The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) has launched this year’s manifesto focusing on such key issues as access to insurance, a better regulatory system and improving public understanding of the claims process.

BIBA has also unveiled its new general insurance price index, compiled in partnership with insurance IT service provider Acturis.

The index shows average premiums for an SME insurance “shopping basket” have increased by 11.5% since 2010.

The consumer shopping basket is 7% higher than in 2010 but shows signs of a downward trend, dropping 2% last year.

The larger commercial basket indicates average premiums have been mostly flat since 2010.

“This is an exciting milestone because it will allow us to regularly track the cost of insurance and provide a wider insight into the economic health of the country, the cost of living and our sector’s role in that,” BIBA CEO Steve White said.

BIBA has also released research showing telematics motor insurance sales have increased by 116,000, or 61%, since June 2012.

It says telematics, which records driver behaviour so premiums can be matched to an individual’s risk profile, can offer 25% savings to good drivers.

“The rise of the new app smartphone technology will see sales of behaviour-based products continue to increase,” Executive Director Graeme Trudgill said.