Can I get car insurance in Ireland with a UK driving licence?

As the UK is not a member of the EU, a UK licence held by residents of Ireland is no longer valid for driving in the Republic of Ireland.

Do I now need a Green Card for driving in Northern Ireland and the UK?

Proof of your insurance (e.g. a valid Irish insurance disc) will act as proof of insurance when driving an Irish registered vehicle in the UK, including Northern Ireland. A separate Green Card is not required. If you already have a Green Card, check the expiry date and if it is still in date this will also be accepted as proof of valid insurance.

What should I do if I have an accident?

Check for injuries, starting with yourself and then other passengers in your car. Don’t move any injured parties unless they are in immediate danger from oncoming vehicles. Call the emergency services, giving as much detail about the car crash as you can, such as the location of the car crash, number of people and vehicles involved, and any injuries sustained. Do not admit, deny, negotiate or settle a claim without your insurer’s permission. Take note of the following third-party details: names, addresses and phone numbers. The address of the owner of the vehicle you are driving if it’s not your car. The car insurance company name and the insurance policy number as well as the driver’s licence numbers. Vehicle’s registration numbers, car’s year, make, model and colour. Keep a record of the name, address and phone number of any witnesses. Take photos of the position of, and damage to, each vehicle involved in the collision. Notify the local Gardai immediately.

Am I insured to drive other cars?

Depending on your licence type and occupation, a driving of other cars extension may apply to your policy. This cover provides protection against legal liability for death or bodily injury to a third party and damage to third party property. Depending on the insurer, cover can be either comprehensive or limited to third party only and should be viewed as emergency cover. You need to check your policy documents to confirm.

How can I reduce the cost of my car insurance premium?

‘Voluntary excess’ can help reduce your premium. Consider how much you’d be prepared to pay out if you have to make a claim. The voluntary excess is the amount you volunteer to pay in the event of an accident – the higher your voluntary excess is, the lower your quote will be.

Who can drive my car under my policy?

Anyone who is a named driver on your policy can drive your car. If open driving is on your policy, depending on specific terms, any person free from accidents, claims, disqualifications, endorsements and convictions, aged from 25 up to 70 years, depending on the insurer, who holds a full EU or UK driving licence can drive your car. Some insurers exclude drivers with penalty points. Please check your policy documents for full details.

Who do I contact if my car keys are stolen or misplaced?

If you have misplaced your car keys, you should call your insurer’s emergency number as soon as possible and within 45 days of the insured event. To make a claim call 091 894426 and we can help you.

Am I covered to pull a trailer?

This cover can only be provided if the insured vehicle meets the licencing requirements and towing law requirements needed to tow a trailer. Third party trailer cover operates when the trailer is attached, or detached provided it remains in the policyholder’s care, custody and control at all times.

Am I insured to drive abroad?

Your car insurance policy will automatically provide you with cover within the EU. Please refer to your policy documents for details of the number of days’ cover that is provided under your policy.

Excess is the amount you, as the policyholder, must pay towards any claim you make. You have the option to increase the excess, which will reduce your premium or you may decrease the excess, which will incur a slight additional premium. No excess applies to windscreen claims or to third party, fire and theft cover.