The BVRLA has welcomed the Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) decision to refer the UK's private motor insurance market to the Competition Commission for further investigation over concerns that it is not working well for motorists.

Earlier this year, the OFT provisionally found that the insurers of drivers responsible for accidents (at-fault drivers) appeared to have little control over the way repairs and replacement vehicles were provided to ‘not-at-fault drivers’ – creating an opportunity for costs to be inflated.

The BVRLA believes the increasing cost of compulsory motor insurance is the biggest threat to the profitability and sustainability of the vehicle rental industry.

John Lewis, chief executive of the BVRLA, said: “It is disappointing that politicians and the OFT have had to get involved to improve the competition in the sector, which could have got its own house in order.

“We believe insurance companies should take greater control of vehicle downtime and costs to manage claims effectively. A credit hire organisation will simply provide a car for as long as one is needed to help the not-at-fault car owner.

“One solution could be to provide a courtesy car as standard for all policy holders.”

To read more on the OFT investigation click here.