Comprehensive car insurance offers the widest of the usual motor cover levels in Ireland. It protects against damage to your own car after an accident as well as the third party risks a policy must cover. When choosing a policy, compare the terms and excess, understand the price for your circumstances, and check how to make a claim.
This guide is for drivers in the Republic of Ireland comparing comprehensive cover or reviewing a policy before renewal.
In short
- Comprehensive cover can protect your own car after an accident, subject to the policy's terms, excess and exclusions.
- Your premium depends on the car, drivers, address, driving record and other details.
- AA Ireland charges a service fee for monthly Direct Debit car insurance payments. Compare the full cost with paying annually.
- Windscreen cover, no claims bonus protection, breakdown assistance and driving other cars vary between policies.
- Check who underwrites the policy and how the provider handles claims and complaints.
Comparing comprehensive car insurance policies
Comprehensive cover goes further than third party only and third party, fire and theft. As well as your liability for injury or damage to others, it can cover damage to your own car after an accident. It may include benefits such as windscreen cover, but you need to check the documents for your quote. The CCPC explains the cover levels.
Your premium reflects the car, your age and driving history, any no claims bonus, where you live and how you use the vehicle. A quote based on someone else's circumstances tells you little about your own price. Comprehensive cover often costs more than third party, fire and theft for comparable terms, but compare the actual quotes available to you.
Payment method affects the total amount too. If you arrange car insurance with AA Ireland and pay monthly by Direct Debit, a service charge applies. Paying the annual premium in full avoids that charge. Check the current Direct Debit terms and total amount payable before choosing.
When comparing policies, look beyond the premium. Check the excess, limits and exclusions. Ask whether windscreen cover, personal accident benefits, no claims bonus protection, driving other cars or breakdown assistance is included, optional or unavailable. The answer can depend on the insurer and policy. AA Ireland is a broker that compares car insurance across a panel of insurers, so read the documents for the specific quote you receive.
Choosing a provider and claims support
The claims process is worth checking before you need it. Find out how to report an accident, whether support is available outside office hours, what evidence the insurer may require and whether an approved repairer must carry out work for a particular benefit. Check the insurer named in your documents, its complaints process and its authorisation to provide cover in Ireland. Some insurers are authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland, while others operate through EU passporting arrangements. You can check the Central Bank registers.
Roadside assistance addresses a different problem from an accident claim. Some car policies include it or offer it as an extra. You can also hold a separate product such as AA Membership alongside your motor insurance. Check both sets of terms, so you understand when to contact the insurer and when to call for breakdown help.
AA Ireland offers insurance products and motoring services, but each policy or membership has its own conditions and renewal arrangements. Compare the comprehensive motor cover itself and any separate support you want, based on how you drive.
Ready to compare comprehensive cover?
Get an AA car insurance quote for your own vehicle and driver details, then review the policy documents before you buy.
