How to get cheaper car insurance in Ireland

Overview

• Compare quotes before every renewal, and switch when you find a better deal, as it's the single most effective way to lower your premium. 
• Raise your voluntary excess to lower your premium, provided it's still an amount you could comfortably cover if you needed to claim.
• Pay your premium annually rather than monthly to avoid instalment fees and interest.
• Match your level of cover to your car's value. Comprehensive insurance isn't always the right call for an older car you plan to replace.
• Consider a telematics ("black box") policy if you're a young or newly qualified driver, since proving you're a safe driver can unlock a lower premium.
• Build up your no-claims bonus and add an experienced named driver to bring your risk profile down.
• Ask about multi-policy, multi-car and online discounts, which are often worth 10% or more.

---

Car insurance is a legal requirement for every driver in Ireland, and with average premiums now over €630* it's worth making sure you're getting the best possible deal. The market is competitive, and insurers calculate risk differently, so the exact same level of cover can cost hundreds of euro more with one provider than another.

Comparing quotes, adjusting your policy details, and building a strong driving record are the main ways to lower what you pay, and none of it means compromising on the protection you need. This guide walks through each step, from choosing your excess and level of cover to using your no-claims bonus and available discounts.

*Average annual car insurance premium paid by customers via bonkers.ie, based on completed orders in the last 18 months with a valid quote price.

Compare car insurance quotes to find cheaper cover

The single most effective way to save on your car insurance is to shop around. It sounds simple because it is: you can compare quotes in minutes, so every renewal becomes a chance to find a better rate.

Insurers rarely reward loyalty. In fact, if you receive a renewal quote that is the same price as last year or even slightly lower, you should still compare the market. There’s a strong chance that a competitor is offering a better rate.

Using bonkers.ie makes this easy. We generate quotes directly from insurers and never add mark-ups or hidden fees, unlike some brokers, so you pay the same as going direct to the insurers. You can see a wide range of options side by side, and when you find a better deal, you can secure your cover online and switch without any hassle.

Who is the lowest-cost provider for car insurance in Ireland?

There’s no single insurer that offers the lowest price for every driver in Ireland. The same level of cover can vary by hundreds of euro depending on your age, car, location, driving history, and the way each insurer assesses risk.

The best way to find the right deal for your needs is to compare personalised car insurance quotes. You can then see how like-for-like policies, with the same cover, excesses, exclusions, and add-ons, stack up for your specific profile.

How can you lower your car insurance premium once you have a quote?

Once you have a competitive quote, a few adjustments to the policy details can bring the price down even more.

Choose a higher voluntary excess

A voluntary excess is an extra amount you agree to pay if you make a claim, on top of any compulsory excess set by your insurer. For example, with a total excess of €500 and a claim for €5,000, your insurer pays out €4,500.

Agreeing to a higher voluntary excess generally lowers your premium, since it reduces the insurer's exposure to smaller claims. The excess still needs to be an amount you could realistically cover out of pocket, so choose a figure that you’re comfortable with paying, rather than the lowest one available.

Paying annually

Paying in monthly instalments can be tempting when cash flow is tight, but many insurers add interest or admin fees for spreading the cost. Paying the full premium upfront, where you can afford to, avoids those extra charges and gets you the flat price for the policy.

What level of cover do you need?

Ireland has three main types of car insurance: third-party only, third-party, fire and theft, and comprehensive. Each adds more protection for your own car, and the right level depends on your car’s value and how you use it.

Match your cover to your car’s value. Comprehensive is usually the smartest choice for a newer car, while a low-value car you plan to replace soon may not need it. Get quotes for every level, as the price gap between them is sometimes smaller than you’d expect.

For a full breakdown of what each level covers, read our guide to types of car insurance in Ireland and optional extras.

Technology and no-claims bonus discounts

Insurers love data. The more evidence you can provide that you are a safe, low-risk driver, the lower your premium will generally be.

Consider a telematics policy

Often called "black box" insurance, this involves having a tracking device installed in your vehicle. Using GPS and motion sensors, it monitors your driving behaviour, including speed, braking, cornering, mileage and time of day.

It's particularly effective for young or newly qualified drivers. If the data proves you are a careful driver, you can unlock lower premiums.

Protect your no-claims bonus (NCB)

A long history of accident-free driving is your best asset. With some insurers, eight or nine years without a claim can bring a discount of up to 75% off standard rates. Even one or two claims-free years can reduce costs.

If you do have a minor accident, it’s worth weighing up whether to claim. If the repair cost is low, paying out of pocket might be cheaper in the long run than losing your NCB and seeing your premium rise for the following years.

Named drivers and car insurance discounts

Who you add to your policy and how you buy it can also impact the final price.

Adding a named driver

Adding another driver to your policy, specifically someone older with a clean driving record, can lower your risk profile. From the insurer's perspective, if a high-risk young driver shares the car with a low-risk experienced driver, the car is being driven by the "safer" person some of the time, making a claim less likely.

Warning: The named driver must actually use the car. Listing a parent as the main driver when a child is the main user is known as "fronting". It’s illegal and can invalidate your insurance entirely.

Look for discounts

It's also worth asking what discounts are available:

• Multi-policy: Bundling car and home insurance with the same provider often brings a discount.
• Multi-car: Insuring two cars with the same company can be cheaper.
• Online application: Many insurers offer discounts of up to 10% or more for setting up the policy online rather than over the phone.

Avoid unnecessary add-ons

Roadside breakdown assistance, windscreen cover, and personal accident cover are often sold as optional extras. While they offer peace of mind, check if you already have cover elsewhere. Some bank accounts include breakdown assistance, and some health insurance policies cover medical expenses from car accidents, so you can avoid paying twice.

Summary table

Use this checklist of car insurance tips to make sure you’re getting the best value for money on your motoring costs.

Start saving on car insurance today

Lowering your car insurance costs in Ireland comes down to a few habits: comparing quotes before your renewal, switching providers for a better price, choosing the right level of cover for your car, and keeping your driving record clean.

Ready to see what you could save? Compare car insurance quotes with bonkers.ie to find better value cover and switch your car insurance today.