THE insurer of people who cause motor vehicle accidents will have to pay for any emergency treatment if the States approves new proposals.

This recommendation goes to the Assembly at the end of the month as Health and Social Services attempts to cut costs and maximise its income.

The move was approved in 2006 but never came into force because of problems with the original proposals. If approved, the new system would introduce charges to recover the cost of treatment following an accident on the roads, at sea or in the air where fees could be recovered under the terms of a motor insurance policy or, if the person was not insured, through the courts.

It was originally envisaged that the cost of treatment for any victims would be passed on to the driver involved, who would then have to recover the sums from their insurance company. It became clear to the department that most policies did not insure drivers for their own injuries but covered third parties only. Also, there could be no recovery of sums in some cases if the driver was killed or if it was a hit and run incident.

Under the new proposals the department would pursue claims against the insurer or the UK Motor Insurers’ Bureau after liability has been determined, whether by agreement, litigation or payment into court.

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