A car insurance quote is useful only when you understand the cover behind it. Start by choosing the level of protection you want. Then compare quotes using the same driver, vehicle and cover details, checking the excess and exclusions alongside the price. This guide explains the cover levels and how to make a fair comparison at renewal.
It is for drivers in the Republic of Ireland comparing cover or getting ready to renew.
In short
- The usual cover levels are third party only, third party fire and theft, and comprehensive.
- Your quote depends on the drivers, car, location, use and claims history.
- Compare policies with the same cover and excess where possible, then check what each one includes.
- Get fresh quotes at renewal rather than accepting a price without reviewing it.
- You can quote directly with insurers or through a broker. Check the regulatory status of both the broker and the insurer.
Evaluating cover levels and policy types
Irish motor insurance offers three common levels:
- Third party only. This is the legal minimum. It covers your liability for injury or damage to others, but not damage to your own car.
- Third party, fire and theft. This adds cover if your own car is stolen or damaged by fire.
- Comprehensive. This is the widest level. It can cover damage to your own car after an accident as well as the third party, fire and theft risks. Extras depend on the policy.
The right level depends on the car's value, how you use it and the cost of repairing or replacing it yourself. Get actual quotes before assuming one level will be cheaper or better value. Compare the excess, limits and exclusions. Windscreen cover, a courtesy car or driving other cars may be included on one policy and limited or unavailable on another.
Your price is personal. Age, licence history, no claims bonus, previous claims, vehicle type, address and mileage can all matter. Insurers assess those details differently, so one driver's price does not predict yours. AA Ireland compares car insurance across a panel of insurers and shows the terms available for your details.
Where to find and compare quotes
You can request quotes directly from insurers or through a broker. A broker may compare offers from its panel, but ask which insurers are included and check the terms of the specific policy quoted. The Central Bank explains how to check the status of a broker and insurer. Some firms authorised elsewhere in the EEA can provide services in Ireland through passporting.
Make renewal your reminder to compare. Insurers must send a renewal notice and no claims discount certificate at least 20 working days before a motor policy ends. Check the price, cover changes and your current details, then get fresh like-for-like quotes. The CCPC's renewal guidance and shopping checklist help you record what each offer includes.
Have your licence, driver number, vehicle registration, expected mileage, claims details and proof of any no claims bonus ready. Driver numbers for you and any named drivers are required when taking out or renewing motor insurance. If a comparable quote is better, you can ask your current insurer whether it will review its offer before deciding to switch.
Ready to compare?
Get an AA car insurance quote using your own vehicle and driver details, then read the policy documents before buying.
