Comparing car insurance quotes can help you check both the price and the cover you are getting. Use the same driver and vehicle details for each quote, then look past the premium at the excess, benefits and claims process. This guide shows how to compare offers and use what you find at renewal.
It is for drivers in the Republic of Ireland comparing quotes or getting ready to renew.
In short
- Request several quotes for similar levels of cover and the same drivers, vehicle and use.
- The price is personal. Your driving history, car, address and no claims bonus can all affect it.
- If you find a better comparable quote, ask your current insurer whether it can improve its offer.
- Compare the excess, exclusions and claims service alongside the premium.
- Check whether breakdown assistance is included, optional or available through a separate product.
How to compare car insurance quotes
Choose the level of cover you need first: third party only, third party fire and theft, or comprehensive. Then use the same details for each request. If one quote includes comprehensive cover with a high excess and another has third party, fire and theft with a lower excess, the prices alone will not tell you which offers better value.
Have your licence and driver number, vehicle registration, estimated annual mileage, claims history and proof of any no claims bonus ready. Tell each provider about the same named drivers and vehicle use. Quotes based on incomplete or different information will be harder to compare fairly.
Lay the quotes side by side. Check:
- The cover level and what is excluded.
- The compulsory and voluntary excess payable after a claim.
- Benefits such as windscreen cover, a courtesy car and no claims bonus protection.
- Whether breakdown assistance is included, optional or separate.
- The total amount payable if you choose monthly instalments.
At renewal, your insurer must send a notice and no claims discount certificate at least 20 working days before the policy ends. Use that time to gather other quotes. The CCPC suggests asking your current insurer whether it can match or improve on a better comparable offer. It may not, but you can make the decision with current prices and terms in front of you.
Evaluating the providers behind the quotes
A low premium does not show how the provider handles a claim. Check who underwrites each policy and how to report an incident. Find out when claims support is available, whether an approved repairer is required for particular benefits, and what the complaints process is. You can check the regulatory status of both a broker and insurer through the Central Bank of Ireland's guidance and registers. An insurer may be authorised in Ireland or provide services through EU passporting.
Roadside assistance can be another part of your decision. Some motor policies include breakdown support or offer it as an extra. AA Membership is a separate roadside product that you can hold alongside AA car insurance. Personal membership can cover you as a driver or passenger in another eligible car; vehicle membership follows the specified car. Check the terms and what your motor policy already includes before choosing.
Ready to compare?
Get a car insurance quote from AA Ireland using your own details, then compare the policy documents and total cost with your other offers.
