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Having the right car insurance for your lifestyle will you will not only save you a lot of stress, it will also save you a couple of euros yearly.
To pick the best car insurance option for you, you need to first understand the different types available. Also, knowing hints that will help to reduce your premium for a policy that’s perfect for you cannot be overemphasized.
In This Post:
Why Get Car Insurance?
Legally, you are not allowed to drive in Ireland without having insurance. For you to drive a car, you need an insurance policy in your name or at least be named as one of the drivers in someone else’s policy.
Apart from being legally allowed to drive, having the perfect car insurance policy will:
- Help you repair your car or even get another one (in extreme cases) when you get in an accident. Sometimes, it covers the other cars directly involved in the accident
- Help with the medical fee for both yourself and any third parties involved in the accident.
Without car insurance, you are open to huge financial risks that might badly affect you or the third parties.
If Ireland, the penalty for driving without car insurance includes;
- A jail term of up to 6 months
- Five points on your license
- Monetary fine of up to €5000
- Your license could be revoked
Various Types of Car Insurance
When getting car insurance, there are three major options open. As stated by AA Insurance, “ Each one of these options offers a different level of cover and this is very much reflected in the premium paid.”
- Third-Party: This is the least type of cover that you are required by law to purchase if you want to drive on the streets of Ireland. In the event of a car accident, this policy only compensates third parties like your passengers, pedestrians, other drivers, and their passengers. Any damage your car may incur isn’t covered.
- Third-Party, Fire, And Theft: In this policy, you get protection against damage caused by fire and theft. This added layer of protection is alongside what is covered by the third party policy. However, you need to know that damages to your vehicle caused by other things such as vandalism aren’t covered by this policy.
- Comprehensive: This is the maximum cover available. It covers all parties involved in an accident, along with your cars and other properties. Along with this, the policy covers your vehicle in the event of theft or damages caused by other forms such as vandalism.
Along with your comprehensive policy, you can get some additional covers that might or might not come as standard. Examples include;
- Windscreen Cover: This covers any damage caused to the windshield. It can either buy a new windshield or repair a crack
- Covering You When Driving Another Car: This policy protects you no matter the car you are driving without needing to purchase a different policy for the car.
- Personal Accident Cover: This policy offers financial protection in the event of suffering an injury while in your car. You need to confirm the injuries you are covered for beforehand.
Things That Might Affect the Cost of Your Premium
When getting car insurance, many factors affect the amount of premium you are asked to pay. Some common ones include;
- Age: Anyone under 25 will be required to pay more as they are deemed to be a riskier investment.
- Residence: Living in neighbourhoods with high crime rates will increase your premium. Also, not having a proper parking area such as a driveway or garage will increase the cost.
- Occupation: If this falls in the list of high-risk jobs, then you will be required to pay more. Also, lying about your occupation could render your policy invalid.
- Driving Experience: The more years you have under your belt the better. And if you have a no claims bonus, you will save more.
- Type of Car: Cars with smaller engines tend to be cheaper to insure than they ones with bigger, more powerful engines. Modifications to the car will increase the premium also.
- The Excess You Offer To Pay: With this amount which you choose to pay against a claim, you can save more if you pay more.
Getting the Cheaper and Perfect Cover
Making that final decision on which policy to choose and where to purchase it can be a bit tricky. However, here are a few tips to make it easier for you
- Make Sure You Pay At Once: If you pay the whole premium at once, it becomes cheaper as most insurer will charge you interest if you choose to pay in instalment.
- Consider Your Type Of Car: If your car is new, a comprehensive cover might be the best choice. However, if it is older and cheaper, third party, fire, and theft might just be enough.
- How Often Do You Use It: The more you use a car, the higher the risk of an accident. If you will be using your car quite often, then going for a comprehensive cover is the right choice
- Get Multiple Quotes: Before committing to an insurer, you need to have done extensive research on the various options available to you.
- Check What Is covered: To avoid the common mistake of paying twice for a cover, you need to confirm what your standard policy covers. For example, your comprehensive policy might just include legal cover, windscreen cover, amongst others.