A new report from the Law Reform Commission says some of our insurance legislation is more than 200 years out of date.

Some of our laws in this area date back to the 18th century and the commission says Ireland's lagging behind most developed countries.

"The 305 page Report makes 105 recommendations for reform of the current rules in consumer insurance contracts," a statemet from the group reads.

"Many of these rules date from the 18th Century, when insurance was usually arranged between shipping traders and small insurers, and the traders often had more information than the insurers to judge the risk being insured. However, these rules continue to apply today in insurance contracts that are made between consumers (including SMEs) and large multi-national insurers with significant financial, technical and actuarial resources.

"The current rules do not match the current realities of the bargaining powers of consumers compared to large insurers."

The report says insurers often use these antiquated laws to avoid making pay-outs.