THE lengthy process of claiming for insurance after an accident could be speeded up for European fleet managers under a proposed directive which has been 'welcomed as a political agreement' by the European Commission.

The proposed Fifth Motor Insurance Directive aims to improve current European Union motor insurance directives by making it easier for drivers to get insurance and by upgrading the protection of victims.

The Commission's proposal was original presented in June 2002 and the political agreement must now be formally adopted by the Council before it goes back to the European Parliament for a second reading.

Internal market commissioner Frits Bolkestein said: 'The sooner this Directive is adopted, the sooner European citizens will be able to take advantage of the new provisions in terms of faster treatment of claims and better compensation for victims of accidents.'

The EC said the directive would help millions of European citizens, including drivers and potential victims of accidents, as well as insurers.

A spokesman said: 'As well as improving protection for accident victims, it would make it easier for drivers to get and claim upon insurance, especially when buying or using vehicles outside their member state of permanent residence, and to change insurers.

The political agreement sets a new minimum insurance amount for personal injuries of €1,000,000 per victim, plus an option for member states to apply a minimum amount of €5,000,000 per accident.