OFT launches third party repair and credit hire investigation

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has launched an investigation into the provision of third party vehicle repairs and credit hire replacement vehicles in the UK motor market.

The government department claimed the probe was prompted by responses to its call for evidence on the facts and reasons behind recent increases in private motor insurance premiums which suggested rates rose 12% between 2009 and 2010 and a further 9% in the first nine months of 2011.

It further claimed that the responses indicated a rise in the costs associated with personal injury claims was a key factor in the increases.

However, it added that the increased cost of third party non-injury claims