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Half of small and medium-sized firms in the UK have
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been hit by an Increase of up to 40% in employers' liability Insurance in 2002.
According to a survey by research group Taylor Nelson Sofres, a third of business owners are paying up to 20% more for their Insurance that they were a year ago. One In ten have seen a jump of between 21 to 40%, while a further 10% have seen a hike In excess of 40%.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) warns that companies are being driven out of business by the rates.
"This is largely due to increased compensation claims, which have risen 100% over the past four years, and disease claims, which have come to light a few years after the event as the symptoms were not visible earlier."
m Hauliers could face a further jump in premiums if plans to charge insurance companies for
firefighters attending road accidents are implemented.
Last month's Bain review of the fire service made recommendations including levying income through charging insurance companies for attending accidents, and firms paying for false fire alarms and fire safety advice.
Two years ago, the NHS began charging for paramedic services at the roadside which led to a sharp increase in premiums, and industry experts warn that this could occur again if the Fire Service adopts recommendations.
Chris North from the Road Haulage Association's Insurance Services says: "This is another situation where the cost of accidents will fall on the shoulders of insurance companies, and could impact on customers."