Insurance Information
What is a No Claims Discount
A motorist who has had no accidents or claims over a period of years normally 5 years or more are rewarded a percentage discount on the policy up to a maximum of 70% in some case. This means a person must have had no-claims for or against them in a certain period. Normally after the 1st year you could receive a 10% discount in the 1st year claims free, 20% in the 2nd year, 30% in the 3rd year and so on, up to the maximum discount the individual insurer allows. Unfortunately once you or a third party make a claim against your policy (even if you are not to blame for the accident), your no-claims discount will be affected. You will be able to rebuild your no-claims discount if no subsequent claims are made within a period required by the insurer. Most insurers will offer you the option of purchasing protection for your no-claims bonus. This means you may be allowed to make claims without fully losing your no-claims discount.
Many factors are taken into account by an insurer when calculating your quote. You are assessed in accordance of your risk rating. The Key Risks are as follows:
1. Driving experience (including whether an individual has a provisional or full licence); ie. how long have you been driving, and how long you have held your licence or permit, or number of years no claims bonus.
2. The number of claims you have in your driving history.
3. Your geographical location; whether you live in a rural or urban area.
4. The type of car you drive; the bigger the engine the bigger the price.
5. The age of your car; over 3 years old may mean a higher quote.
6. Your age and gender; A male under 25 will generally get a different quote to a female under 25.
7. Occupation and what you use your car for; Is it for social domestic use or for hire or reward.
8. Level of cover required; Whether it’s third party or fully comprehensive!
Driving abroad
Firstly, you should contact your insurer and advise them that you wish to take your car abroad. Normal terms and conditions of motor insurance policies allow a policy holder to take his/her car abroad for up to 31 days to another EU member state for no extra charge. Your existing cover can be extended for stays of up to 60 or 90 days duration but you may have to pay an additional fee for this cover. After your extended cover expires, you have the minimum cover required by law in each country visited (e.g. third party only depending on the country, not comprehensive or fire and theft) until your policy is due for renewal.
If the vehicle you are driving is not registered in your name, you will need to carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission to drive. Make sure you have your insurance company’s emergency contact number in your car. Always carry your driving licence (if your licence doesn’t incorporate a photograph you must carry your passport to validate the licence). You must also carry the vehicle registration document and certificate of motor insurance.
Before setting off it would be advisable to check the following:-
- The car you are driving is roadworthy
- The headlights have been properly adjusted to avoid glare.
- Filters, belts, fluid levels and have the oil changed.
- Condition of your wiper blades.
- Indicators, brake lights and beams.
- Tyre tread depth on each tyre.
Check with a motoring organisation if you want to drive in a non-EC/EEA country. They will advise you whether you need an International Driving Permit.
What is an international driving permit?
An international driving permit allows motorists to drive vehicles in other countries without further tests or applications. It proves that you have a valid driving permit issued by a competent authority in your home country. International driving permits issued in Ireland are only available to Irish residents with a current full driving licence.
There are two types of international driving permit issued in Ireland:
A 1949 Convention International Driving Permit, which is the most commonly issued driving permit and is recognised in most countries
A 1929 Convention International Driving Permit, which is required for the following countries – Brazil, Iraq, Nigeria and Somalia.
Where can I use my international driving permit?
You can use your international driving permit in any of the countries that have signed the 1929 or 1949 UN Convention on road traffic. You cannot be issued with an international driving permit in Ireland if:
- You have not passed your driving test and have a learner permit (or current provisional driving licence)
- You are from outside the European Union or the European Economic Area. The European Economic Area consists of the 25 member states of the EU and Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
You may be required to produce the international driving permit when hiring a car abroad. Remember to carry your driving permit at all times even when you have an international driving permit. Each international driving permit is valid for one year from date of issue. An international driving permit (valid for 1 year) costs €5.08. If you require both a 1949 Convention International Driving Permit and a 1929 Convention International Driving Permit, this will cost €10.16.
Where To Apply
AA Travel
56 Drury Street
Dublin 2
Phone: (0)1 6179540
Fax: (0)1 6174942
Website: http://www.aaireland.ie
Email: aatravel@aaireland.ie
Insuring your trailer make sure to check your insurance policy. If you tow a trailer generally normal car insurance does not cover the towing of a trailer, even though your licence allows you to do so.
Good luck,
LDrivers.ie
