Car Insurance Northern Ireland

Car insurance in Northern Ireland has historically been more expensive than in the rest of the UK. And although car insurance prices have risen steadily in Northern Ireland, costs have risen faster elsewhere in the UK – making premiums less expensive, relatively speaking.

Data shows that Scotland and Wales both have cheaper insurance than Northern Ireland, but this is perhaps due to the fact Northern Ireland has a statistically younger populace.

Premiums for younger and less experienced drivers – especially those aged between 17 and 24 – are higher because they are statistically more likely to be in an accident or make claims on their car insurance, and because when they do have accidents, they tend to have more passengers.

Most UK car insurance policies do cover you for driving in Northern Ireland, however it is best to check your policy before you travel.

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.

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.

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

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.

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