Whether you’re new to driving, have years behind the wheel, or simply want to reassess your existing policy, knowing the types of car insurance and what each one covers is the smartest way to secure value and peace of mind.
In Ireland, all drivers are legally required to have some form of car insurance before taking to the road, but the right level of cover depends on your budget, your driving profile, the value of your car, and the level of risk you're comfortable with.
From the bare minimum third-party only cover to fully comprehensive protection — plus newer options like telematics — here’s a clear guide to the main types of car insurance cover that are available, how they differ, and what to consider before deciding.
Third-party only – the legal minimum
Third-party only cover is the minimum level of insurance that's required for all drivers in Ireland.
It covers injury to others or damages to someone else’s car or property while you're driving.
So if you cause an accident and someone is hurt, their medical costs are covered. And if you crash into another vehicle, their repair costs are covered.
But it doesn't cover damage to your own car or provide cover for your own medical expenses if the accident is your fault. Nor does it provide cover if your car is stolen or damaged by fire.
Third-party only is usually the cheapest type of insurance cover but it isn’t offered by all insurers. And it's really a “bare minimum” option. It might suit you if your car is very old or low-value, and if you’re looking to keep your insurance costs down and are happy to take on some risk. But you should consider whether you could afford to repair or replace your car out of pocket if something were to happen.
If you want greater protection, third-party, fire and theft or comprehensive cover may be a better choice.
Third-party, fire and theft – a balanced option
Third-party, fire and theft offers everything third-party only does, as well as cover if your vehicle is stolen, damaged by fire, or damaged as a result of an attempted theft.
It still doesn’t protect you if you damage your own car in an accident or a collision that was your fault, but it adds extra peace of mind at an affordable price.
Many drivers with older or less valuable cars choose third-party, fire and theft as it offers a good balance between protection and cost.
Comprehensive – the widest protection
Fully comprehensive cover (often just called comprehensive cover) is the highest level of car insurance cover you can buy.
It includes all the benefits of third-party, fire and theft and adds cover for damage to your own car — even if the accident was your fault. This can include damage to your car as a result of vandalism, the weather and animals. However, most policies won't cover damage from normal wear and tear.
Comprehensive policies often come with extras such as windscreen repair, breakdown assistance, and cover for the loss of personal belongings in your car.
Comprehensive cover is the only type that covers your own car in an accident you caused, which is why many people consider it the safest option.
Premiums are higher for this type of cover, but it's popular with drivers who want maximum peace of mind and protection.
Telematics ("black box") cover — a good choice for young and inexperienced drivers
This is a subset of car insurance cover.
With this type of cover, a tracking device or "black box" is typically installed in your vehicle. Through the use of GPS technology, an accelerometer, motion sensors and on-board diagnostics, the device tracks and monitors various aspects of your driving and provides detailed analytics on your driving behaviour to both you and your car insurance provider.
This information can then offer valuable benefits to you, your insurer, and road users in general. It can also help you avail of a much lower premium, especially if you’re a young driver or someone who hasn’t a lot of driving experience.
Other factors that affect your car insurance premium
While the type of cover you choose is a big factor in the cost of your premium, insurers look at a wide range of other details too:
- Your driving experience and record: A clean driving history and a strong no-claims bonus can lower your premium significantly, while penalty points may increase it.
- Your car’s specifics: The make, model, age, value, and security features of your car all impact your premium, especially if you go for comprehensive cover.
- Your location: Certain areas are more prone to break-ins. So where you live and park your car can also affect your premium, particularly if you've chosen a comprehensive or third-party, fire and theft policy.
- Your age and occupation: Younger, less experienced drivers and drivers in certain professions may face higher premiums regardless of the type of cover chosen.
- How you use your car: Policies for business use generally cost more, especially with higher levels of cover.
- Mileage: Lower annual mileage may help reduce your premium for all cover types.
- Excess and extras: Adjusting your excess or opting for additional cover options can influence your overall premium.
Choosing the right car insurance cover for you
To find the policy that delivers the protection you want and represents good value for your lifestyle, keep these tips in mind:
- Compare across all cover types: Get quotes for third-party only, third-party, fire and theft, comprehensive and telematics cover — sometimes the price difference between levels is smaller than you think.
- Match your cover to your car’s value: If your car is older, third-party, fire and theft may be sufficient; if it’s newer or more valuable, comprehensive might be more sensible.
- Review optional extras carefully: Assess whether add-ons like breakdown assistance or windscreen cover are worth the extra cost for you.
- Improve your car’s security features: Enhanced security can reduce your premium, especially for third-party, fire and theft and comprehensive policies.
- Increase the voluntary excess — carefully: This can lower your premium, but be sure you can afford to pay it if needed.
- Boost your no-claims bonus: Avoid small claims and drive safely to steadily build up your no-claims discount and reduce your premium over time.
Get car insurance with bonkers.ie
Searching for car insurance can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the different types of cover available in Ireland.
At bonkers.ie, we make it easy to compare car insurance policies across providers. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest third-party cover or a comprehensive policy packed with extras, we’ll help you find the right balance between cost and protection.
Head to our car insurance page, input a few details such as your car registration number as well as your driving licence number, and we'll provide you with a range of quotes from Ireland's top insurers in minutes.
