Insurance advice for this immigrant please.

I am buying my first car in Ireland. I have driven for many years in Canada. What can I expect to pay in car insurance rates in Ireland? What is the criteria that insurance companies use to determine the rates? I am 65 years old, have an excellent driving record and plan to buy a 2013 Nissan Note.

Please advise.

Catherine Redmond (Tramore)

Feb 2020 Filed under: insurance

---

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

You’ll probably get a very broad mix of quotes. Some companies will like the fact that you’re an older driver, with a relatively low-powered car, and assess you accordingly. Many others will simply look at your lack of an Irish driving history (and won’t take your Canadian history into account) and will simply try to charge you an absolute fortune.

Our advice would be to track down a good local insurance broker, who may well be able to help you find a better deal than you’d find yourself. Criteria? That would be expecting the Irish insurance industry to be open and transparent, and that’s simply not going to happen...

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe