Driving in Ireland with UK insurance

Key takeaways

• Standard UK car insurance policies include third-party cover for driving in Ireland as well as the rest of the EU and a few other European countries

• If you have a fully comprehensive UK policy, this won’t always extend to fully comp cover in Ireland, so check to be sure

• You won’t need a green card or specialist cover - just be sure you have your car insurance certificate and V5 logbook

Can I drive in Ireland with UK car insurance?

Yes, you can drive in Ireland with a UK car insurance policy - all car insurance policies sold in the UK automatically include third-party cover for driving in the EU, including Ireland.

Do I need extra insurance to drive in Ireland?

You won’t necessarily need any extra or specialist insurance on top of your existing policy. However, it’s worth checking what level of cover you’ll have - while third-party only is standard, you might want to take out a fully comprehensive policy for extra protection. If it’s not included as standard you’ll likely need to pay extra.

What documents do I need for driving in Ireland?

If you’re driving in Ireland on a UK car insurance policy, you’ll need to have the following with you:

• Your V5C logbook

• Your insurance certificate

• Your driving licence

Do I need a green card to drive in Ireland?

You won’t need a green card when driving in Ireland or anywhere in the EU.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Ireland?

You won’t need an International Driving Permit to drive in Ireland either, if you’re visiting for less than 12 months - but you will need to have your driving licence with you at al times.

Do I need a UK sticker to drive in Ireland?

You won’t be required to display a UK sticker on your car if you’re driving in Ireland.

Can I bring my car to Ireland?

Yes, you can bring your car from the UK to Ireland without much hassle. You can drive directly or take advantage of the various car ferries that make the journey between the two countries.

How long can I drive in Ireland with UK plates?

If you're visiting Ireland temporarily, you can drive your UK-registered vehicle for up to 12 months. This is convenient for those who are planning an extended stay but not looking to import their vehicle permanently.

Will my car insurance go up if I claim in Ireland?

As with any insurance claim, there's a possibility that your premiums may increase after making a claim in Ireland. Insurers typically consider the risk of similar incidents happening again when calculating your premiums.

Compare car insurance quotes

Whether you're planning to drive in the UK or venture overseas, MoneySuperMarket is here to help you save money on your car insurance in just a few minutes. We compare quotes for both full comprehensive and third party cover from our leading panel of insurers to find you the best deal.