You’ve got your quote, you’ve landed on a price you’re happy with, and then the real question hits: what does this actually pay for? It’s one of the most common things drivers ask us, and it’s a fair one. Once you know what car insurance covers in Ireland, you can drive with a bit more confidence and you’re far less likely to get caught out if something goes wrong.
The short answer
- Every car insurance policy in Ireland has to include Third Party cover by law. That’s the base level.
- Third Party, Fire and Theft adds protection if your car is stolen or damaged by fire.
- Comprehensive adds accidental damage to your own car, plus a range of useful extras.
- The exact limits and extras change from one insurer to the next, so your policy booklet and schedule are always the final word.
So, what does car insurance cover?
Car insurance in Ireland pays for the costs you’re legally responsible for when you’re driving, and, depending on your policy, for damage to your own car too. There are three levels of cover in Ireland: Third Party Only, Third Party Fire and Theft, and Comprehensive. Third Party Only is the legal minimum and looks after injury or damage you cause to other people. The higher levels build on that by protecting your own vehicle, first against fire and theft, then against accidental damage on top.
The three levels of car insurance in Ireland
Third Party Only
This is the minimum cover you need to drive legally on Irish roads. It looks after other people if you’re at fault, but it doesn’t cover your own car.
What third party car insurance typically covers:
- Injury to other people, including your passengers and other road users
- Damage to someone else’s property, such as their car, wall or gate
What it doesn’t cover: any damage to your own car, and loss from fire or theft.
Third Party, Fire and Theft
This is the middle level. You get everything in Third Party Only, plus cover if your car is stolen or damaged by fire.
What’s typically included:
- Everything under Third Party Only
- Loss or damage if your car is stolen, or if someone tries to steal it
- Fire damage to your car
Accidental damage to your own car still isn’t covered at this level.
Comprehensive
This is the highest level of cover. It includes everything above, plus accidental damage to your own car, even when a crash is your fault.
What comprehensive car insurance typically covers:
- Everything under Third Party, Fire and Theft
- Accidental damage to your own car
- A range of added benefits, which we’ve set out below
Comprehensive is often the most popular choice, and on some cars the price can land close to Third Party, Fire and Theft, so it’s always worth comparing the two before you decide.
The extras you might not realise you have
Comprehensive policies often come with handy benefits built in that people forget they have. The details vary between insurers, so treat this as a guide and check your own policy for the exact limits and conditions.
- Windscreen and glass cover: repairs or replacement for a cracked or chipped windscreen. Many policies limit the amount you can claim if you don’t use the insurer’s approved repairer, so using theirs usually works out better.
- Replacement locks: if your car keys are stolen, most comprehensive policies pay towards new locks, up to a set limit.
- New car replacement: if your car is nearly new and it’s written off or badly damaged, some insurers will replace it with an equivalent new model. This usually applies within the first year and comes with conditions.
- Foreign driving cover: your policy gives you the minimum cover you need by law to drive in the EU, and comprehensive cover is often extended abroad for a set number of days. The length differs a lot between insurers, so always check before you travel.
- Medical expenses: a contribution towards medical costs if you or your passengers are hurt in an accident involving your car.
- Fire brigade charges: cover towards the charges that can apply if the fire service attends your vehicle.
- Personal accident and personal effects: some policies include a limited amount for personal belongings, or a benefit if a driver is seriously injured.
These aren’t guaranteed on every policy, and the amounts are capped, so your schedule is the place to check what applies to you.
What car insurance doesn’t cover
Even comprehensive cover has its limits. The things that usually aren’t covered include wear and tear, mechanical or electrical breakdown, damage from putting the wrong fuel in your car, and any driving that isn’t allowed under your certificate. There’s a bit more to it, so we’ve pulled the full picture together in a separate guide. Take a look at what car insurance doesn’t cover for the details.
How to check your own level of cover
Not sure which level you’re on? Here’s where to look.
- Your certificate of insurance: this sets out your cover type, along with which drivers and which uses are allowed. On most Irish certificates the cover details are listed in the numbered sections.
- Your policy schedule: this shows your specific limits and any excess you’d pay on a claim.
- Your policy booklet: this explains what each section of your cover includes and excludes.
Still unsure after all that? We’re here to help. You’ll find ways to reach our team in the AA help centre, and we’re happy to talk it through.
Frequently asked questions
What does third party car insurance cover?
Third Party Only is the legal minimum in Ireland. It covers injury to other people and damage to their property when you’re at fault, including your passengers. It doesn’t cover your own car, or any loss from fire or theft. For that, you’d need a higher level of cover.
What does comprehensive car insurance cover?
Comprehensive covers injury and damage to others, loss from fire or theft, and accidental damage to your own car, even when the crash was your fault. Most policies add extras like windscreen and foreign driving cover. The exact benefits and limits depend on your insurer, so check your schedule.
What’s the difference between comprehensive and third party fire and theft?
Third Party, Fire and Theft covers other people, plus fire and theft damage to your car. Comprehensive adds accidental damage to your own car on top, so you’re covered even when a crash is your fault. Comprehensive policies usually come with more extras built in as well.
Does car insurance cover windscreen damage in Ireland?
Comprehensive policies usually include windscreen and glass cover for chips, cracks and replacements. Many insurers cap the payout if you don’t use their approved repairer, so using theirs is often the better move. Windscreen claims often don’t affect your no claims discount, but check your own policy to be sure.
Does comprehensive insurance cover driving other cars in Ireland?
Not automatically. Some comprehensive policies include third party cover to drive another car with the owner’s permission, but this is increasingly restricted and isn’t standard any more. If you have it, it’ll be shown on your certificate of insurance. Always check before driving a car that isn’t yours.
What do I need to insure a car in Ireland?
To insure a car in Ireland, you’ll usually need your car and registration details, your driving licence, proof of your no claims discount, and details of any named drivers. From there, you choose your level of cover. Getting a quote only takes a few minutes.
Ready to look at your options?
Once you know what each level covers, picking the right one gets a lot easier. Take a look at your options and get a quote to see what suits your car and your budget. And if you’d rather talk it through first, we’re here to help.
