The introduction of electronic insurance certificates will do for the insurance sector what the new high-speed rail link between London and Paris will do for train travel.

That is the view of price comparison website gocompare.com, which has welcomed plans to allow insurers to issue certificates by email.

Last week, the Department for Transport gave the green light to the move that could see thousands of customers getting their policy details much more quickly.

As well as speeding up the process, Hayley Parsons, managing director of gocompare.com predicted that e-certificates would also be a greener way to do business.

"Online insurance certificates could have a positive impact on the environment," she said.

"With over 33 million motor vehicles licensed in the UK, this could take millions of policy packs out of the postal system and off the road as well as reducing the amount of paper and packaging required."

Motorists can already compare insurance quotes and apply online for policies. They are also able to tax their vehicles on the internet making electronic cover notes the next logical step.

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