Reviewing car insurance policies can leave motorists with more questions than answers. At bonkers.ie, we want to provide clarity to our customers on all of these queries.
In the car insurance FAQ you will find short-form answers to all (we hope) of your questions as well as links to long-form deep dives on topics that you may want to learn more about.
How is the cost of car insurance calculated?
Car insurance quotes are based on how risky you are to cover in the eyes of the insurer. They consider your driving history, the car you drive, where you live and park, your job and how much you drive.
To get the best quote you should be honest and take steps to reduce your risk like building a good driving record and choosing a safe car. Don't lie to get a lower quote as this could result in a denied claim later.
Can I be insured on more than one car in Ireland?
It is possible to be insured on more than one car in Ireland. You can either take out a separate policy for the second car or take out a multi-car policy.
Multi-car insurance covers more than one vehicle under the same insurance policy. The features are the same as a single-car policy but with a discount for the second vehicle. Multi-car insurance usually allows you to cover up to five vehicles registered at the same address.
It’s important to always compare both single-car quotes and the cost of multi-car insurance policies to see which may work out as better value.
What is a no claims bonus?
A No Claims Bonus (NCB) is a discount on your car insurance in Ireland for each year you go without making a claim. The longer your claim-free streak, the bigger the discount.
You can protect your NCB with add-ons like NCB protection or step back protection. NCBs transfer to new insurers so shop around for the best quote and bring your NCB with you.
Can I drive someone else’s car under my insurance?
Being able to drive someone else's car under your own insurance policy is a handy benefit to have, particularly if your car unexpectedly breaks down. Often, if you have comprehensive cover, you may be insured to drive another car. If it's not included as standard it may be possible to add it on for a small additional fee. Similarly, your policy might allow others to drive your car.
Just check your policy documents before getting behind the wheel.
Should I make a claim or pay for the damage to my car myself?
If you're involved in a car accident you should consider the cost of repairs, premium increases and no claims bonus loss before deciding whether to make a claim. Factors like excess fees and the claims process can also influence your decision.
Weigh these factors carefully to determine the most cost-effective and convenient option for you in the long run.
I have just purchased a new car. How do I change this over to my existing policy?
This is referred to as a mid term adjustment (MTA). If you purchase a new vehicle you must call your existing insurance provider to inform them and they will change the vehicle over on your existing policy.
It’s important to note that for this change there may be an additional charge on the premium, a refund due to you, or no extra cost incurred. This will all depend on the type of new car and its risk details.
Does my vehicle need to have a valid NCT to be insured?
Yes, your vehicle must hold a valid NCT and be roadworthy for your policy to be valid. In the event of a claim, an insurer may refuse your claim If your car has no valid NCT.
What are my insurance options as a learner driver in Ireland?
As a learner driver in Ireland, you are able to apply for the same three types of coverage as all other drivers but there will be a higher cost associated with this due to increased risk.
Telematics (black box) is a great option to get that cost down.
Can I get car insurance if my car is imported to Ireland?
If you have an imported car it can be difficult and expensive to get car insurance.
Grey imports, especially those from countries like Japan or the USA, are often higher specification and more likely to be involved in accidents.
Parallel imports (usually EU) are usually cheaper to insure than grey imports but may have higher repair costs.
If your imported car is a left-hand drive then insurance might be more expensive.
Will my gender impact the price of my car insurance premium?
Statistically, women are safer drivers. Until 2012, women were often given cheaper car insurance quotes as a result.
However, in December 2012 the European Court of Justice found that charging women less for car insurance was in breach of gender equality. New guidelines against gender discrimination were put in place and legislation was introduced for insurance products in Ireland.
Consequently, insurers are no longer allowed to use a person’s gender as a factor in determining their car insurance premium. When the new laws came into effect, women found themselves paying more and men less.
If I emigrate will my insurance increase when I return?
If you emigrate and aren’t driving while abroad, you may struggle to find affordable car insurance upon your return or may not be able to obtain cover at all.
Those living outside of Ireland for more than 2 years will have lost their no claims discount. Even if you were insured while abroad and had driving experience, some insurers in Ireland won’t recognise this and it may be disregarded.
If you’re worried about this happening then you can continue to pay car insurance in Ireland while living abroad but this will also prove costly.
What can I do If I am declined car insurance?
Insurance Ireland operates a Declined Cases Agreement (DCA) and if you are unable to obtain car insurance, you can appeal to the Declined Cases Committee (DCC).
You must have received 3 letters of decline from 3 different insurers to appeal. The DCC will then appoint an insurer to insure you. In most cases, this will be your most recent insurer or the insurer you were first declined cover from.
Can I change insurers if I have an open claim?
No, if you have an existing open claim you must stay with your current insurer.
No new insurer will be able to quote you on a new business policy until your open claim is settled.
Can I get insurance on a classic or vintage car?
Yes. If you have a car that’s 20+ years old, you may have to acquire classic car insurance. This specialist insurance is designed to protect older and higher value cars that are only driven from time to time.
Car insurance companies differ in their definition of what makes a classic or vintage car. One insurer might consider a car to be eligible for classic car insurance if it is 30 years old while another may consider a car that is 25 years old.
Classic car insurance is often cheaper than regular car insurance as classic cars are expected to be driven fewer miles and therefore are less likely to be in an accident.
A classic car will more than likely have had modifications carried out for them to be roadworthy. However, unlike regular car insurance, classic car owners aren’t negatively impacted for this in their policy.
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