New figures released by the Irish insurance ombudsman show a 24% increase in written complaints last year. The total written complaints rose from 1034 to 1285 while telephoned complaints rose by 30%. Motor insurance received the greatest number of complaints at 349.

Compare that with our local product. Insurance Enquirties and Complaints’ recently released figures that showed that complaints in Australia had increased by 9% in 2001. CEO Sam Parrino said the increases in both schemes indicate a willingness by consumer groups to promote an alternative to the court system. “That’s the real good news,” he said.