If you need car insurance , you have come to the right place! On this site, we seek to provide as much unbiased information about car insurance in Ireland , to help you make the best choice for your needs. This website is run on a not for profit basis with the aim of being purely informational and not promotional.
What is car insurance ,?
Vehicle insurance also known as car insurance , or motor insurance is insurance purchased by the driver of a mechanically propelled vehicle to protect from injury either to driver, third party or another road user. All drivers of mechanically propelled vehicles in Ireland require at least third party car insurance.
What is the difference between fully comprehensive and third party insurance?
Third party insurance only covers damage or injury caused by the insurance holder to third parties but not any injury or damage to the policy holder. For example, if a policyholder is in a collision in which he is at fault, the resulting damage to his vehicle will not be covered by his policy.
How do I make a claim?
Standard procedure is to call your provider. They should handle the claim from start to finish.
What if someone wants to claim off of you?
Simply call your provider, advise them of the situation. Again, they should handle everything for you.
What is an excess?
Some insurers will insist that the first part of a claim is paid by the customer with the balance or amount in excess of this paid by the insurance company. This is a measure used by insurance companies to prevent customers claiming for minor issues.
What is a no claims bonus?
Obviously your insurance company would prefer if you didn’t claim on the policy. Accordingly, most insurers offer what is called a no claims bonus. This is a discount offered to customers who do not claim on a policy. The discount typically increases in proportion to the number of years in which the customer has not made a claim.
Do I have to get car insurance?
Yes, all drivers of mechanically propelled vehicles on Irish roads must at least have third party car insurance. This is to ensure that if you are in an accident which is deemed to have been your fault, that the third party, injured party can claim against your insurance policy.
What is the penalty for driving without insurance?
Driving without insurance is considered a very serious offence in Ireland with penalties of substantial fines and in some cases custodial sentences. Below is a guide of typical sentences imposed:
- A fine of up to €2,500
- Disqualification of one year or more for a first offence and two years or more for a second offence, and
- At the discretion of the court, a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months.
What if you cannot attain insurance?
If no insurance provider will quote you for insurance, you can take letters from three companies that have declined you outlining why they so did to the declined cases committee on the Irish Insurance Federation. They will get a quotation for you.
The declined cases committee is contactable as follows:
Declined Cases Committee
Irish Insurance Federation
39 Molesworth Street
Dublin
Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)1 6761914
What if I am unhappy with how I have been treated by my insurance company?
All insurance companies will have documented complaints procedures which should be followed as an initial step. However, in the event that a policyholder feels that the insurance company has not resolved the complaint to their satisfaction, they can take the case to the financial services ombudsman. Contact details are as below. While the decision of the ombudsman is final, policyholders who are still dissatisfied can take the case to the high court.
Financial Services Ombudsman's Bureau
3rd Floor
Lincoln House
Lincoln Place
Dublin 2
Ireland
Tel: (01) 662 0899
Locall: 1890 882 090
Fax: (01) 662 0890
Homepage: http://www.financialombudsman.ie/
Email: enquiries@financialombudsman.ie
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