Fully comprehensive
Fully comprehensive car insurance protects you, your car and other motorists from damage. It also covers medical expenses, repairs, fire damage and theft of your vehicle
Car insurance Northern Ireland
Compare car insurance in Northern Ireland.
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1Accurate as of March 2023.
How does car insurance work in Northern Ireland?
Car insurance in Northern Ireland operates similarly to the rest of the UK. You are legally required to have at least third-party insurance, which covers the cost of accidental damage to another person’s car, property or themselves. However, it doesn’t cover damage to your own car if you cause an accident.
For that, you need fully comprehensive insurance. A mid-level option is third-party fire and theft insurance, which gives you cover if your car is damaged in a fire or stolen, as well as third party protection.
Some car insurance providers don’t include Northern Ireland, and when they do, policies can be more expensive so it’s a good idea to compare quotes from leading insurers through MoneySuperMarket to make sure you are getting the best price for your insurance policy.
How do I get a quote?
To compare quotes for car insurance in Northern Ireland simply tell us a few details about yourself, such as your name and permanent address, as well as your car’s registration number and we’ll do the hard work for you, saving you time and money.
Remember that you’ll get a personalised quote which takes into account factors that affect your premium, such as your age, your location, your previous driving experience and the type of car you drive.
What types of cover are available in Northern Ireland?
There are three main types of car insurance:
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Third-party, fire and theft
Third-party, fire and theft policies cover repair costs for other people, their cars and their property, as well as your own vehicle if it’s stolen or damaged by fire
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Third-party only
The minimum legal requirement, third-party insurance will only cover any damage you cause to other people, their cars and their property. It won't cover injuries to you or damage to your vehicle
What add-ons can I get with my car insurance?
You can usually add the following onto your insurance policy, for an extra cost:
Breakdown cover
If your car breaks down, breakdown cover provides assistance at the roadside to get your vehicle moving again. This may be particularly useful if you have an older vehicle which is more likely to suffer mechanical problems than a new one. You can sometimes get cheaper breakdown cover by combining it with your car insurance.
Courtesy car cover
Provides a replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired. This is ideal if you rely on your car daily for commuting.
Courtesy car cover is often included for free in comprehensive car insurance policies.
Personal accident cover
Personal accident cover pays out a lump sum if you’re injured or killed in a road accident. It offers peace of mind, particularly if you have loved ones who depend on you financially. Most comprehensive car insurance policies will include personal accident cover.
Motor legal protection
Motor legal protection will cover any legal fees you might face in relation to a road accident. As legal fees can mount up, it can give you peace of mind to have these covered. Motor legal protection is often included in comprehensive car insurance policies.
Windscreen cover
Windscreen cover will pay for the cost of repairing or replacing a chipped, cracked or smashed windscreen. If you have a newer car you may have safety technology which requires recalibration when your windscreen is replaced and this could be costly without insurance.
If you have comprehensive insurance windscreen cover is likely to be covered but check your policy documents to be sure.
Car keys cover
Covers the cost of replacing lost, damaged or stolen keys. If your car has keyless entry it will be more expensive to replace your key fob than if you have a standard car key so this might be a worthwhile add-on to your insurance. Some comprehensive policies may include cover for car keys.
Wrong fuel cover
Covers the cost of draining and cleaning the fuel tank if you accidentally put the wrong fuel type in your car (known as misfuelling). Wrong fuel cover isn’t usually included with insurance policies - even comprehensive insurance.
Check whether your car has a special fuel cap system which prevents misfuelling to decide whether it’s worth adding wrong fuel cover to your insurance.
Personal belongings cover
Personal belongings cover offers protection for your belongings in the event your car is stolen, which can be handy if you tend to leave them in your car. Some comprehensive car insurance policies may include this or it may be covered under your home insurance.
No-claims discount cover
Protects your no-claims discount by letting you make a certain number of claims within a year before it affects your premiums. Building a no-claims discount will reduce your premiums over time and if you’ve had no claims for several years you might want to protect it. But you’ll need to pay extra to do so.
How much does car insurance cost drivers in Northern Ireland?
The average cost of an annual Northern Ireland car insurance policy is currently £551.21. This is more expensive than other areas of the UK, such as Scotland and Wales.
Country | Average annual premium |
|---|---|
Northern Ireland | £543.60 |
Scotland | £438.99 |
Wales | £400.53 |
Factors such as the rural landscape will affect the cost of your policy, as will your age, profession, and your Northern Ireland postcode.
Are ferry crossings covered under Northern Ireland car insurance?
Whether ferry crossings are covered under Northern Ireland car insurance depends on the specific policy. If you have comprehensive car insurance then you may be covered for accidental damage that happens onboard such as another car bumping into yours or an incident with water.
It's important to check your policy documents or speak to your insurance company to understand the exact extent of cover.
It’s also a good idea to find out what happens if you break down as sometimes breakdown cover doesn’t include ferry transportation - even if you have national recovery.
Will my car insurance cover me to drive in the Republic of Ireland?
Yes, your Northern Ireland car insurance will typically include cross-border cover for you to drive in the Republic of Ireland.
You will essentially be driving abroad as the Republic of Ireland is part of the European Union and the UK isn’t so the level of cover might be limited to third-party only and a set number of days, even if you have a comprehensive policy in Northern Ireland.
However, some providers may give you the same level of cover in the Republic of Ireland as when you’re driving in Northern Ireland - provided you’re a resident of Northern Ireland. It's important to check with your insurance provider to confirm the exact level of cover you have.
You won’t need a Green Card (international proof that your car is insured) to drive in the Republic of Ireland but you should take your insurance certificate with you.
Why do so many British insurance providers exclude Northern Ireland?
There are various reasons why some British insurance companies may exclude Northern Ireland from their coverage, including:
The potential risk of accidents: Historically, Northern Ireland has seen a higher level of accidents, potentially due to more challenging driving conditions as there are more rural roads and single carriageways.
The cost of claims: Costs tend to be higher due to larger legal costs and higher compensation rates.
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Why compare Northern Ireland car insurance with MoneySuperMarket
Find cheap car insurance quotes in Northern Ireland with MoneySuperMarket:
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It doesn’t take long
Pop in a few details about yourself, your car and driving history, and any named drivers
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We’ll search for savings
We’ll scour the market to find you the cheapest car insurance that offers the cover you need
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Car Monitor
We can remind you when your MOT and tax are due, so you never miss your renewals
How to get cheaper car insurance in Northern Ireland
If you live in Northern Ireland, the good news is there are still ways to keep your car insurance premiums affordable. Here are some top tips to lower your premium:
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Don’t auto-renew
The cheapest time to get a good deal on your car insurance is usually 20 days before renewal - comparing quotes on this day can save you up to £231
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Telematics
Earn a lower premium with a telematics policy by showing you can drive safely and sensibly
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Compare quotes
Comparing quotes from leading insurers through MoneySuperMarket can save you time and money
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Pay annually
Insurers charge more when spreading the cost of cover over 12 months, pay annually to save
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Increase your excess
Insurers are likely to reduce the cost of cover if you're willing to increase your excess
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Add an older, experienced driver
Shows insurers that you won’t be solely responsible for the vehicle - but beware of fronting
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Build your no-claims bonus
Earn a no-claims discount by driving carefully and sensibly, bringing your premiums down over time
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Park your car off the road
The best place to park your car overnight to reduce your insurance cost is off the road, in a locked garage
How can I get cheap car insurance quotes?
Compare quotes
You can almost always get a better deal by shopping around. MoneySuperMarket does the work for you: comparing quotes with us can save you up to 50.79%
Pay annually
If you can afford to, it is worth paying for your car insurance in one go. Annual payments are up to 31%
Get a black box
Insurers can monitor your driving habits with telematics hardware, so sensible drivers can sometimes earn lower insurance premiums.
Pay a higher excess
One of the simplest ways to reduce your insurance cost is to increase your voluntary excess. Be careful not to increase your excess so much that you can't afford it'
Buy a sensible car
Smaller, less powerful cars are usually cheaper, safer to drive, and less attractive to thieves and vandals.
Keep your car safe
Parking your car in a locked garage keeps it safe from criminals, making it less likely you’ll need to claim for theft or vandalism.
Add a named driver
Adding an experienced driver to your policy tells insurers it won’t be just you driving, so they’ll reduce the price. However, you must be honest about the main driver of the vehicle.
Take an advanced driving course
As car insurers generally view advanced drivers as being less likely to have accidents, passing an advanced driving course can sometimes help cut car insurance costs.
Limit your mileage
Cutting down on how much you drive can slightly reduce your insurance costs. Someone who drives 10,000 miles a year pays on average 3%
The logic for insurers is that if you’re not on the road as much, you’re less likely to have an accident.
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What do I need to get a quote?
To compare your personalised car insurance quotes, we’ll need some information on the following:
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Details of the car
The car’s registration number if you have it to hand. If not, the car make and model is fine. We’ll also need the car’s age and any modifications you’ve made
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Your details
Including your job, your age and your address – and the same for any additional drivers you may have – as well as your claims and driving conviction history
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What you'll use the car for
Social, commuting or business, and how many miles you think you’ll do a year. You’ll also need to say where you’ll keep the car at night for security
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Your licence
The type of licence you have and how long you’ve held it. You can also add any additional driving qualifications you have here
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No-claims discount (NCD) history
Details of your no-claims discount will help lower the price you are quoted. Use our no-claims discount tool to find out how many years’ no-claims discount your insurer will honour
Our expert says…
New laws introduced in 2022 mean car insurers must offer all customers the same deals, rather than tempting new customers with cheaper prices. However, lower competition and higher costs in Northern Ireland mean it is still vital to compare offers from different insurance providers, rather than letting your policy auto-renew.
Faith Archer Personal Finance Expert
Why is car insurance more expensive in Northern Ireland?
Car insurance is more expensive in Northern Ireland for a number of reasons, including:
The car insurance market is less competitive
Rural roads, longer driving distances, and more accident risks
Higher payout claims
On top of this, repair costs are inflated by supply chain issues, part shortages, and expensive hire cars, all of which keep insurance prices significantly higher than in the rest of the UK.
Does UK car insurance cover Northern Ireland?
Most UK car insurance policies do cover you for driving in Northern Ireland, however it is best to check your policy before you travel.
Can I still get cover if I am moving to Northern Ireland?
If you are planning to move to Northern Ireland, it’s important that you let your insurer know in advance. A change in address represents a significant update, and depending on where you move from and to, your premium could change based on data around road traffic accident and crime rates.
How much is car insurance in Northern Ireland?
The average price of car insurance quotes varies in Northern Ireland according to where you live, how old you are and other factors such as the type of car you have.
What extras can I get on my policy?
When you take out car insurance, you'll be able to find policies with extra features.
However these will increase your premiums, so consider whether you really need the following:
Breakdown cover: Pays for the cost of calling out a mechanic if your car breaks down
Courtesy car cover: Gives you access to a replacement vehicle while yours is in for repair
Personal accident cover: Offers a lump sum if you’re injured or killed in a road accident
Motor legal protection: Covers legal fees you might face in relation to a road accident
Windscreen cover: Pays out for the cost of repairing or replacing a cracked windscreen
Car keys cover: To cover the cost of replacing your keys if they’re lost, damaged or stolen
Wrong fuel cover: Pays for the necessary repairs required if you accidentally top up with the wrong type of fuel
Personal belongings cover: Protects your belongings if you leave them in your car
What if I plan to travel to and from Northern Ireland by ferry?
If you’re planning on catching a ferry into and out of Northern Ireland, ferry cover may or may not be included in your policy. And once you’re on board, the cover may differ depending on what your policy states.
It’s also important to note that if you did breakdown in Northern Ireland, not all breakdown providers will cover the cost of the ferry transportation back, whether you have nationwide recovery or not.
We recommend reading your paperwork before you travel to make sure you’re fully protected and to give yourself peace of mind.
How can I find cheap Northern Ireland car insurance if I’m a young driver?
As a young driver in Northern Ireland there are a few steps you can take to reduce the costs of your car insurance policy:
Compare quotes: Shop around using our price comparison tool to get quotes from multiple insurance companies.
Consider telematics/ black box insurance: Some insurers offer black box policies, which involve fitting a device to your car that monitors your driving. If you drive safely and responsibly, you could benefit from lower prices.
Increase your excess: If you're willing to pay a higher excess (the amount you pay towards a claim), you may be able to reduce your quoted price.
What level of cover is available to motorists in Northern Ireland?
There are there are three main levels of cover available in Northern Ireland. These include:
Third-party only: This is the minimum legal requirement for driving on public roads in Northern Ireland. It covers you for any damage you cause to other people or their property, but it does not cover damage to your own vehicle.
Third-party, fire and theft: This level of cover includes the same protection as third-party only, but it also covers your vehicle if it is stolen or damaged by fire.
Comprehensive: This is the highest level of cover available and includes all the protection provided by third-party, fire and theft, plus cover for damage to your own vehicle.
Do I need a specialist broker for car insurance in Northern Ireland?
No, even though some British insurance companies may exclude Northern Ireland from their cover, you won't necessarily need a specialist broker as there are still many providers who do offer cover in the region. Use our price comparison tool to get car insurance in Northern Ireland, tailored to your needs.
Does my car insurance cover damage while on a ferry?
Your Northern Ireland car insurance may cover damage while on a ferry, particularly if you have comprehensive cover but it’s important to check your policy documents to be sure. Alternatively, if your car is damaged while on a ferry and you’re not at fault and neither is another driver, you may be able to claim from the ferry operator.
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One of the best ways to get the lowest prices and best deals is to compare quotes from different companies. We do the work for you, comparing quotes side-by-side and giving you all the information you need so you can choose the right deal for your needs and your wallet.
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Does MoneySuperMarket work with all the providers on the market?
No, not every company can be included in our service. This is because some companies don’t want their products included on comparison sites, and some decide that they would rather not pay a fee. There are also a few smaller providers who can struggle to cope with the volume of customers that can find their products if they appear on MoneySuperMarket.
Our goal is to search deals from as wide a range of companies as possible so that you can choose the deal that suits you.
Is car insurance eligible for SuperSaveClub and rewards?
Yes, you can earn SuperSaveClub rewards when you buy car insurance through MoneySuperMarket.
This includes:
Up to £15, which you can withdraw as a pre-paid Mastercard or a gift card for brands like Sainsbury's and Amazon.co.uk
Free Days Out pass (worth £180), which gives free entry to a range of UK attractions
Cashback of up to 10% when you spend at brands including eBay, Just Eat and Argos
To earn SuperSaveClub rewards on purchases you must:
Sign up to SuperSaveClub (it's free)
Be signed in to your account when you make the purchase
More information can be found on our SuperSaveClub homepage.
Is car insurance eligible for Price Promise?
Yes, car insurance is included in our Super Save Price Promise.
If you buy through us then find the same deal for less we will:
refund the difference
give you a gift card worth up to £20
Terms and conditions apply. More information can be found on our Price Promise page.
Reviewed on 26 Dec 2025 by
YouGov Survey 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. Net Recommend score derived from “Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?” Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=18,382, Compare the Market n=16,802, Go.Compare n=10,162, Confused.com n=8,229, Uswitch n=528).
Accurate as of 26 December 2025.
Based on the median annual price of comprehensive policies sold through MoneySuperMarket in October 2025.
Based on the median annual price of comprehensive policies sold through MoneySuperMarket in October 2025.
Based on the median annual price of comprehensive policies sold through MoneySuperMarket in October 2025.
Based on MoneySuperMarket quoted policies for annual car insurance, between July 25th 2024 and October 23rd 2024
51% of consumers could save up to 50.79% Consumer Intelligence , Oct 2025 Exc NI, CI, IOM
Based on MoneySuperMarket quoted policies for annual car insurance, between August 7th 2024 and November 5th 2024
Based on MoneySuperMarket quoted policies for annual car insurance, between August 7th 2024 and November 5th 2024
Based on MoneySuperMarket quoted policies for annual car insurance, between August 7th 2024 and November 5th 2024