Car Insurance Ireland: The Ultimate Guide to Cover & Costs

February 2026

Car insurance is the safety net that allows motorists to take to the road with peace of mind, however, people are often unsure about the kind of cover that will suit them best. So, in this explainer article, we’re going to cut to the chase and simply explain some of the terms and conditions connected with a car insurance policy.

Before you pick up the phone or start filling out any online forms, be sure to have the following nearby: your driving licence, the registration plate of your new car and if applicable, your No Claims Bonus (NCB) cert. You may also need the car’s NCT and road tax information, depending on the company you are receiving a quotation from. 

The NCB is a bonus accrued through safe, claim-free driving. For every year a driver doesn’t claim, they may receive a discount on their annual premium**, subject to insurer terms and conditions**. The more years of NCB a driver has, the higher the discount they may receive. The maximum amount of NCB a motorist can use with Allianz insurance is 9 years**, subject to underwriting criteria**. 

A driver may only use their NCB for one vehicle at a time, meaning that if you drive a second car insured in your own name, you will have to begin earning a new NCB for that second policy. 

It is good advice to always get more than one quote when shopping for a policy and to be aware of the fine print when you find a policy that’s ‘too good to be true’. ‘Low cost’ insurance policies can sometimes carry higher policy excess amounts in the event of an accident. 

Policy excess is a fixed monetary amount or percentage that a driver must pay towards the cost of a claim under their policy. Most insurers will require an excess; however, excess levels vary by provider and policy type. 

Remember that it’s a good idea to ensure you will be covered on the car you want to buy, so try to get a quote online on that Ferrari before you pop down to the dealership with your communion money. Get an Allianz Ireland Car Insurance quote online. 

Before choosing a policy, it's worth knowing how penalty points could affect your car insurance options.

Before you start on your online motor insurance journey with Allianz, it’s important to know about the types of cover offered. This will help you better decide on the type of policy for your needs.

The most basic level of cover offered in Ireland, and often the lowest-priced, is Third Party Only Cover. This means that if there is an accident and you’re at fault, compensation will only be paid to the other party involved. Injury to a third party is covered up to the statutory limits applicable at the time of the claim, and third-party property damage is covered up to €30,000,000 (subject to policy terms and current legal limits).

Due to the limited cover offered with Third Party Only policies, Allianz Ireland doesn’t offer it to the customer for the main vehicle on cover. Instead, it may be offered as part of the Driving Other Cars policy benefit**, where eligibility criteria are met**. This allows a customer to have Third Party cover on other cars, as well as the Third-Party Fire and Theft, or Comprehensive policy they hold for their main vehicle.

As the name would suggest, Third Party Fire and Theft is the same as Third Party, but the vehicle is also covered against theft and fire. Like Third Party insurance, this policy will not cover damage to the policyholder’s own car following an at-fault accident or any injuries which they sustain in that accident**, subject to policy terms.** 

With this kind of policy, the holder is covered against fire and theft, limited to a maximum of the car’s market value at the time of loss**, subject to policy conditions.** Third Party, Fire and Theft policyholders also have access to the Allianz Emergency Service in the event of a fire, theft or attempted theft**, in line with the terms of the service.** 

They have third-party personal injury liability cover in line with statutory requirements, and third-party property damage up to €30,000,000**, subject to policy terms and legal limits.**As the name would suggest, Third Party Fire and Theft is the same as Third Party, but the vehicle is also covered against theft and fire. Like Third Party insurance, this policy will not cover damage to the policyholder’s own car following an at-fault accident or any injuries which they sustain in that accident**, subject to policy terms.** 

With this kind of policy, the holder is covered against fire and theft, limited to a maximum of the car’s market value at the time of loss**, subject to policy conditions.** Third Party, Fire and Theft policyholders also have access to the Allianz Emergency Service in the event of a fire, theft or attempted theft**, in line with the terms of the service.** 

They have third-party personal injury liability cover in line with statutory requirements, and third-party property damage up to €30,000,000**, subject to policy terms and legal limits.**

The top-level motor insurance available is Comprehensive cover. This offers the driver cover against accidental damage, vandalism and malicious damage, while also offering the same level of cover as Third Party Fire & Theft. The policyholder may also receive compensation for damage to their own vehicle in an accident, even if they are at fault**, subject to policy excesses and conditions.** 

If the comprehensive policyholder is in an accident, the assistance service may be available to help at the roadside**, where included in the policy.** Comprehensive cover is typically more expensive than Third Party or Third Party Fire & Theft cover, reflecting the broader level of protection.

Allianz car insurance policyholders can avail of some standard benefits, like European Cover. This cover allows you to drive in the EU and certain other countries for up to 60 days**, subject to policy terms and territorial limits.** 

Allianz’s Emergency Service is available 24/7 to policyholders in the event of fire, theft or attempted theft*. This service will tow your car, help arrange onward transport and may arrange a replacement car for up to 7 days, or up to 14 days if your vehicle is stolen**, subject to availability and policy terms.** 

*In the event of an accident, the Emergency Service is only available if you have Comprehensive cover.

NCB protection allows a driver to incur one claim in a 3-year period without losing their full bonus entitlement**, subject to policy terms.** However, a second claim may result in a step back of 3 years on their bonus entitlement. Windscreen breakage, theft or fire damage may be covered without impact on the No Claims Bonus, in accordance with policy conditions.

Holders of this benefit are insured to drive other cars, provided they have the owner’s permission. They are covered, while driving this other car, by Third Party insurance only**, and subject to strict eligibility criteria and policy terms.**

Windscreen cover covers all glass in the car, including the sunroof**, where fitted.** The amount covered under windscreen cover is limited to €200 if you do not use an ‘Aligned Repairer’, and higher limits may apply where an approved repairer is used, subject to policy terms.

Allianz Breakdown Assistance is available within Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, but not further afield. This benefit protects you if your car breaks down due to mechanical or electrical issues like a flat battery, a puncture, a lock-out, or if your car is filled with the wrong fuel or lubricant. Limits, territorial restrictions and exclusions apply.

Source: https://youtu.be/NMlF0RNy1P4?si=OtqtivMJgwl5GW1G

This extra benefit covers damage or loss of personal effects while they are in the car**, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.** This is subject to a maximum value of €775**, provided the items are kept in the boot or a locked compartment and there is forcible or violent entry to the vehicle, where required by the policy terms.**

With this benefit, the driver or any passenger is covered for death or serious bodily injury following an accident or fire involving the insured vehicle, up to €15,000**, subject to policy terms, conditions and eligibility criteria.** 

Whether you’re a first-time driver or a veteran motorist, Allianz Insurance has cover options designed to suit a range of customer needs**, subject to acceptance criteria, underwriting terms and conditions.**

Allianz p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Standard acceptance criteria and policy conditions apply. ^Calls may be recorded 

Information correct as at 27/02/2026