Insurance companies are to be given access to details of driving offences under a new law expected today.

This will mean insurers can take the seriousness of driving offences into account when calculating premiums.

Previously insurance companies only had access to the number of points a driver had on their licence but the new measure would mean they could see if a driver has committed a serious offence.

A spokesperson for the Minister for Transport says failure by insurance companies to bring down costs for safer drivers will result in access to this detail being withdrawn.

Firms can penalise drivers

The new measures will mean that companies can penalise drivers who have racked up points for the 18 most serious offences.

These include speeding, drink-driving, driving using a mobile phone and driving with no insurance.

While motorists with no points should enjoy lower premiums.

The new laws give access to the National Vehicle Driver File (NVDF) where penalty points are recorded.

Paul Melia is a journalist with the Irish independent.

He told Breakfast here on Newstalk that the system needs to be managed effectively.