Irish Insurance / Car Insurance in Ireland

Car Insurance in Ireland

The minimum level of cover for car insurance in Ireland is ‘Third Party Only’. ‘Third Party’ car insurance is required by law and covers third party injury or damage caused by you or another insured driver when driving the vehicle.

There is also an option to select ‘Third Party, Fire & Theft’ car insurance.

The best level of cover available is comprehensive car insurance. This covers ‘third party, fire, theft and accidental damage’ to your vehicle.

Factors which affect your car insurance premium

There are many factors which may affect your car insurance premium and these can include;

  • The car, including model, engine size, value and year.
  • Your age and driving experience.
  • Your ‘No Claims Bonus’ or ‘Named Driving Experience’.
  • Previous car insurance or motor insurance claims.
  • Penalty points.
  • Details of Named Drivers.

How to help reduce your car insurance premium.

There are a number of ways to help reduce your car insurance premium and these may include;

  • Restrict the number of drivers covered on your policy. Insurance companies often give ‘Insured Only’ or ‘Insured & Spouse’ discounts.
  • You may get a discount if your spouse has insurance in their own name.
  • Stay free from penalty points as many Irish car insurance companies will charge extra if you have penalty points.
  • If your car has a large engine or is highly valued then this may increase your premium.
  • Stay claims free!
  • Consider selecting ‘third party’ insurance cover instead of ‘comprehensive’ cover.

Your duties under the policy.

An insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurer and included in this policy are detailed terms and conditions which include duties of the insured. Theses may include:

  • The duty to inform the insurance company if any of the details on the proposal form change.
  • The duty to make a full and honest disclosure of relevant facts to the insurer and answer all questions on the proposal form truthfully.

Car Insurance Ireland - FAQs

Am I insured to drive any other vehicles?

Some Irish car insurance policies will include a ‘driving of other cars’ extension which will allow you to drive other cars which do not belong to you. This cover is ‘third party only’ and may also exclude some vehicles. Refer to your policy and certificate for full details of cover.

How does a ‘No Claims Bonus’ work?

For every year that you hold a motor insurance policy in your own name, Irish insurance companies will allow you a 1 year ‘No Claims Bonus’. Each company uses the bonus in a different was but the most common way to use the ‘No Claims Bonus’ system is to allow 10% of your premium for every year, up to a maximum of 5 years.

What is named driving experience? 

Named driving experience is any period for which you have been insured as a named driver on someone else’s Irish Car Insurance policy. This may allow you to get a discount when you apply for insurance in your own name.

What is a policy excess?

A policy excess is the first part of any claim you will be required to carry. If your policy has an excess of €350, then you will be require to carry the first €350 of any claim. Your insurer will pay the rest.

What countries am I insured to drive in?

Your policy will cover you to drive in Ireland and the UK. Often, your policy will automatically extend to a number of other European countries. We recommend you contact your broker before travelling to ensure that full cover is in force.

Irish Car Insurance & Irish Home Insurance – Claims advice

What do I do if I have an accident or want to make a claim?

If you have an accident or wish to make a claim under your policy then you should contact the insurer’s claims line or consult your broker. You should also exchange insurance details with any third party and take not of registration numbers of other vehicles. Also, get contact information for any third party. Report the incident to the Gardai.

 

What should I do if I wish to make a claim in my home insurance policy?

  • Make sure you make arrangements to avoid further loss. This could include making temporary repairs which will avoid greater loss.
  • Get estimates for the loss.
  • Contact your broker or the insurance company claims department.

This document is only a guide. Every car and/or home insurance policy carries detailed terms, conditions & exclusions. Please refer to your policy document for full details.