Get a quote from The AA, and save up to €320 on your Car Insurance*
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*Online discount for new motor policies only. Max discount €320; min premium €306.02. The “12 insurance schemes” refer to 12 distinct policy quotes generated from a panel of 7 insurers. Further terms apply.
Guide
Your complete guide to car insurance in Ireland
Buying your first car or switching insurance plans? Here’s our complete guide to help you prepare for the road ahead.
- Part 1 How car insurance works
- Part 2 Types of car insurance
- Part 3 How to reduce the cost of cover
How to compare and switch car insurance
Here’s a quick guide to comparing car insurance quotes, checking your cover and switching provider without leaving gaps in your policy.
Check your current cover
Before comparing car insurance quotes, check what your current policy includes.
Look at your level of cover, policy excess, optional extras, no claims bonus protection and any exclusions. This makes it easier to compare like-for-like quotes and avoid choosing a cheaper policy that offers less cover.
You should also check your renewal price and whether your insurer has added any fees, charges or optional extras.
Compare car insurance quotes
We’ve partnered with The AA to help Irish drivers get quotes from a panel of car insurers.
When you click ‘Get a quote’, you’ll go to The AA’s secure quote form. Your options will be based on details like your car, driving history, address, licence type and the level of cover you need.
You can then review the available policy options and choose the cover that suits you.
When comparing car insurance quotes, don’t just look at the headline price. The right deal should give you the cover you need at a price you can afford
Choose the right car insurance policy
The main types of car insurance are comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, and third-party only.
Comprehensive cover gives the widest protection, but it may not always be the most expensive option. Third-party cover is the minimum legal requirement, but it only covers damage or injury you cause to others.
Think about how you use your car, who drives it, where it’s kept overnight and whether you need optional extras before choosing a policy.
Switch car insurance
The best time to switch car insurance is usually when your renewal notice arrives.
If you switch mid-policy, check whether your current insurer charges a cancellation fee or whether you could lose part of your no claims bonus for that year.
To switch car insurance:
- Compare your renewal quote against other options
- Check the cover, excess, extras and exclusions
- Choose the policy that suits your needs
- Confirm your new policy start date
- Cancel your old policy once your new cover is in place
- Keep proof of your no claims bonus if your new insurer asks for it
Five ways to get cheap car insurance in Ireland
Whether you’re a young driver, new to the road or you’ve miles of experience under your belt - here’s some tips for securing cheaper car insurance.
Reduce your risk profile
You can’t change your age or location, but you can prove you’re a safe driver by taking an advanced driving course or having a black box installed.
Downsize your car
Larger cars with powerful engines are usually more expensive to insure. Swap yours for a smaller, newer model to reduce your premium.
Increase your excess
You can choose to pay a higher excess to lower your monthly insurance costs. Just be aware it also means forking out more when you have an accident.
Build your no claims bonus
A discount is given to drivers with a claims-free record and is chalked up over time. Build your no claims bonus (NCB) and reduce premium with a no claims discount.
Shop around for discounts
Buy online, take multi-car insurance or get a black box to enjoy a discount. Declare your claim-free history to bag your no claims discount (NCD).
Latest newsIrish drivers to benefit from clearer price information
01/05/2026: Under a new transparency code, motor insurers must provide two clear statements at quotation and renewal. This includes a Premium Summary with details of last year’s premium, the new premium, the cost difference, and the key pricing factors.
They must also provide an Annual Market Overview, which explains broader market conditions driving premium changes, such as profits, broker commissions, and legal costs.
This news comes as motor insurance premiums have risen for a third year in a row, with the average cost of cover now €655 in the first half of 2025, according to the Central Bank’s National Claims Information Database (NCID).
Does it cost more to insure your electric car?
Electric car insurance in Ireland is becoming increasingly common, with many insurers now offering policies designed for electric vehicles.
While certain EV models may benefit from lower premiums, according to various studies, it typically costs around 10% more annually to insure an electric vehicle (EV) than a standard vehicle. However, it depends on the model and several other factors.
The best approach is to compare quotes for the specific make, model, and your personal profile, as premiums vary widely, just like with all car insurance.
Specific EV insurance benefits may include:
- Battery cover
- Home charging units and cable cover
- Out-of-charge breakdown assistance
- Discounted premiums
Why we have partnered with the AA
Experts in the field
Offering car insurance for over 40 years, and roadside rescue for over 100 years.
Tried and trusted
Excellence rating in online reviews including Google and TrustPilot.
Exceptional value
Allows your money go further, with fuel discounts and savings on other insurance products.
Exclusive perks
Online discounts, benefits and customer rewards as standard.
Other types of car insurance
Looking for something different? Read more about van, classic car or leaner driver insurance.
Van insurance
You must get van insurance if you use a van, truck, pickup truck, or jeep for commercial purposes. If you opt for fully comprehensive cover, there are things included as standard and a list of add-ons that cost more.
Classic car insurance
Is designed for cars typically older than 15-25 years, that are only driven occasionally. Just like regular insurance, you can get financial protection against accidental damage, third-party, and fire and theft claims.
Learner driver insurance
Is a licence that allows you to start learning to drive. There are different permits for different types of vehicle, so make sure you apply for the right one.
Breakdown rescue
Also known as roadside assistance or breakdown cover, breakdown rescue is a type of insurance that covers repair or recovery costs if your vehicle breaks down.