Can women get cheaper car insurance in Ireland?

If you're a female driver the chances are you've searched specifically for "car insurance for women" or "female car insurance" to see if there are policies or discounts available to you.

It seems like the smart thing to do — as women are statistically safer drivers than men.

But here’s the straightforward truth: in Ireland and throughout the European Union it's actually illegal for insurance providers to base your car insurance premium on your gender.

This has been the case since 2012 following a somewhat controversial ruling by the European Court of Justice which said using gender as a factor in calculating insurance premiums was discriminatory. 

So, while you might find sites and brokers that are marketing car insurance at women and promising women cheaper premiums, your actual premium won't be determined by whether you're a man or a woman.

But this doesn't mean women can't make savings on their car insurance. It just means the way to make savings lies in understanding the other factors that influence your premium and using smart strategies to get the best deal.

Young male drivers are statistically associated with more accidents. And in the past this would have led to them paying higher premiums. However, that's all changed since a ruling by the European Court of Justice in 2012 which said that using gender to determine the price drivers pay for insurance is discriminatory. As a result, insurers across the EU can no longer charge different rates based on whether you're male or female. Similar rules also exist in various other countries, including several U.S. states.

Enda Brazel, Managing Director of Financial Services at bonkers.ie and former Chairman of the Board at 123.ie

What are the factors that actually influence your car insurance?

Even though women are statistically safer drivers, they can no longer be directly rewarded for that in their premiums. However, this doesn't mean that their safer driving can't be rewarded through other metrics (though it should be pointed out that men would be rewarded for these practices too). 

So here's what actually impacts the cost of your premium... 

Your driving record

This is one of the biggest influences on the cost of your car insurance.

A clean driving record with no accidents and a clean driving licence with no penalty points, traffic violations, or speeding tickets will nearly always result in lower premiums.

The longer you go without making a claim, the more attractive you appear to insurers.

Vehicle type

The car you drive plays a significant role in the cost of your car insurance.

• Make and model: Some cars are statistically more expensive to repair or are more prone to theft. High-performance or luxury vehicles typically cost more to insure.
• Safety features: Cars with advanced safety features (like automatic emergency braking or lane-keeping assist) might qualify for discounts because they reduce the likelihood of accidents. On the flip side, these cars also usually cost more to repair and replace, so it depends.  
• Engine size: Generally, cars with larger engines or higher horsepower are seen as riskier.

Your location

Where you live and park your car affects your premium. Areas with higher rates of theft, vandalism or traffic congestion typically have higher insurance costs. 

Annual mileage

The more you drive, the higher your risk of being involved in an accident. If you drive fewer miles each year due to working from home or using public transport often, you might be eligible for lower rates. But be honest about your mileage as insurers can verify this.

Age and driving experience

Younger drivers and particularly those under 25 will generally pay more for insurance because statistics show they are more likely to be involved in accidents. As you gain more driving experience and maintain a clean record, your premiums will tend to decrease.

You occupation

The type of job who have can sometimes affect the cost of your insurance too. Roles which require you to be on the road a lot or to drive late at night will be seen as riskier.  

Your level of cover and your excess

The type and amount of cover you choose directly impacts your premium.

• Coverage level: Comprehensive policies (which cover damage to your car and other vehicles as well as fire damage and theft) are more expensive than third-party only policies (which only cover damage to other vehicles and property).
• Your excess: This is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in for a claim. A higher excess typically leads to a lower premium, but ensure you can comfortably afford it if an incident occurs.

What are smart strategies for women (and all drivers) to save on car insurance?

Now that you know what factors truly matter, here are some ways to help you find affordable car insurance.

These tips are for every money-conscious driver, but they are, of course, also relevant if you're a woman looking to optimise your budget.

1. Shop around and compare quotes extensively

This is perhaps the single most powerful strategy. Insurance providers calculate risk differently so the same coverage can vary wildly in price from one company to another. Don't settle for the first quote you receive.

• Use comparison websites: These sites allow you to input your details once and get multiple quotes from different insurers quickly. Our comparison service at bonkers.ie is the only one in Ireland that generates quotes direct from insurers so you get the cheapest quote for any given policy... just saying!
• Don't just look at price: While price is important, also consider the insurer's reputation, customer service, and claims process.

2. Understand your cover needs

Don't pay for cover you don't need but also don't under-insure yourself and risk financial hardship.

• Third-party only: This is the minimum legal requirement for car insurance in Ireland. It covers damage to others' property and injuries to others. It won't cover any damage to your own vehicle.
• Third-party, fire and theft: Adds cover for your vehicle if it's stolen or damaged by fire.
• Comprehensive: Offers the broadest protection, covering your vehicle against damage from accidents, vandalism, theft, fire, and more, regardless of fault. Consider the age and value of your car. A very old, low-value car might not warrant comprehensive cover but a newer vehicle usually does.

3. Choose a higher excess if you can afford it

As mentioned, increasing your excess can lower your premium. However, only choose an amount you could realistically pay out of pocket if you need to make a claim. There's no point in saving a little on your premium if a small accident leaves you in financial distress.

4. Look for discounts

Insurers offer a wide range of discounts. Always ask what's available!

• No-claims discount/bonus: For every year you don't make a claim, you build up a discount. This can significantly reduce your premium over time.
• Multi-policy discount: If you bundle your car insurance with other policies (like home or renter's insurance) from the same provider, you often get a discount.
• Multi-car discount: Insuring more than one vehicle with the same company can lead to savings.
• Low mileage discount: If you don't drive much, some insurers offer specific discounts.
• Telematics/usage-based insurance: Using a "black box" to monitor your driving habits (speed, braking, mileage) can lead to discounts for safe drivers and is strongly recommended for all new drivers or drivers with penalty points in order to reduce their premium, sometimes significantly. You can read more about it here. 
• Vehicle safety features: Anti-theft devices, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like collision warnings, and even daytime running lights can sometimes qualify you for discounts.

5. Improve your driving record

This is a long-term strategy, but it's incredibly effective. Drive safely, adhere to traffic laws, and avoid accidents. A clean record will always be your best friend when it comes to insurance rates.

6. Review your policy regularly

Your life changes, and so do your insurance needs. Review your policy annually, or whenever a significant life event occurs:

• New car: Re-evaluate coverage needs.
• Moving house: Your location affects rates.
• Changes in mileage: If you start working from home, your mileage might drop significantly.
• Children leaving home: If a young driver moves off your policy, your rates could decrease.

7. Consider paying annually

If you can afford it, paying your entire premium upfront for the year is often cheaper than paying in monthly instalments, as insurers sometimes charge extra fees for monthly payment plans.

What are other important considerations for policies?

Once you've found a policy that fits your budget and needs, it's wise to understand a few more aspects.

Add-ons and optional extras

Many policies offer optional extras that can provide peace of mind. Consider if these are worth the additional cost for your specific situation:

• Breakdown cover: Assistance if your car breaks down.
• Legal cover: Helps with legal costs if you need to claim for uninsured losses or defend yourself in certain situations.
• Courtesy car: Provides a temporary vehicle if yours is being repaired after an accident.
• Windscreen cover: No panic if you get a chip in your windscreen.
• No-claims discount protection: Allows you to make a certain number of claims without losing your built-up no-claims bonus. A common method of this is step-back protection. We would consider this as a "must-have" if you can afford it, as it will become priceless to you in the event of a claim.

Take control of your car insurance

While the idea of "car insurance for women" might suggest special treatment based on gender, the reality is that the best way for all drivers, including women, to get better value is by making smart, informed choices.

By understanding the true factors that influence your premium, actively shopping around, and availing of any discounts, you can ensure you get the best cover for your car at the best possible price.

Get the best value car insurance on bonkers.ie

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All you have to do is provide us with information on your car, and your driving history on our car insurance page.  

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