Expert answer

Hi Alaina,

You can, but some buyers have found it difficult to get private insurance for vehicles that are generally defined as commercials. As ever, Irish insurance companies like to throw obstacles in your path… My advice would be to get hold of a good broker who can possibly help you navigate the system. 

Expert answer

Hi Fintan,

In theory, a herd number might be sufficient, but basically it’s down to the local motor tax office with which you’re dealing. Basically, there’s two threads here — the first is that the vehicle must be an appropriate one for commercial use, and the second is that you must show some sort of documentation that proves that you require the use of such a vehicle. We checked with the Department of Transport, and here’s the reply we received:

"Motor tax is based on both the construction and use of a vehicle.  To be taxed as a goods vehicle, a vehicle must be constructed or adapted as a goods vehicle and must be used solely for the carrying of goods in the course of trade or business.  Under Article 3 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 1992 (S.I. 385 of 1992), a licensing authority (motor tax office) must be satisfied that the licence (motor tax disc) being applied for is the appropriate licence for the vehicle concerned.   It is open to the relevant motor tax office to seek whatever documentation it deems appropriate in support of an application for a particular rate of motor tax.  In the case of an application for the goods rate of motor tax, such documentation may include a certificate of commercial insurance, a Tax Clearance Certificate, evidence of registration for tax or registration for VAT (if turnover for VAT exceeds the relevant thresholds set down by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners) or, at the discretion of the licensing authority, any other appropriate documentation that would indicate that the applicant is in trade or business. It is up to the individual concerned to provide whatever evidence is required by the licensing authority in order for it to be satisfied that the applicant is entitled to claim what is in effect a concessionary rate of tax."

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

You theoretically could do, but you’d have to show to Revenue proof of at least six months' tax and insurance, in her name, for the car and proof of change of address from the UK to Ireland, again in her name.

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Hi Joe,

If you are moving to Ireland, and bringing the car with you, and you can show proof of at least six months’ tax and insurance, as well as proof of change of address, then you’ll be exempt from paying VRT.

Expert answer

Hi Susan,

Sadly, we have no idea. Insurance in Ireland is a minefield so complex that it could put off an entire tank battalion. With your age (insurers tend to get a little jumpy once a driver passes the age of 70 — not fair, but little in Irish insurance is) and the fact that the Tesla Model 3 has some pretty potent performance, I would suspect you could be looking at quite a chunky premium. My advice would — obviously — be to shop around as much as you can, but also to find a good local insurance broker who may be able to help you winkle out some better deals.

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Hi Jacqui,

With CO₂ emissions of 173g/km, a 2009 RAV4 diesel is going to be in Band E for motor tax, which means €750 a year. As for insurance, it shouldn’t be too bad, but as ever, Irish insurance is a minefield and often depends more on you and your record than the car, so make sure you take the time to shop around.

Expert answer

Hi John,

Do you mean acrappage trade-in on an old off-roader? Or scrappage trade-in when buying a new off-roader? Yes, is the answer in both cases — most brands currently have some sort of scrappage offer in play, and it really doesn’t matter what vehicle you’re trading in — you’re going to get some kind of discount.

Or, did you mean can you get scrappage on a car that’s registered as being off-the-road? That’s trickier. Really, the car that you’re trading in generally has to get to the garage under its own steam, and show current tax and insurance to qualify. It’s worth having a word with the dealer you’re buying from, though, as there may be some wiggle room on that score. 

Expert answer

Hi James,

Basically, yes, you can import the car without paying VRT because it meets the requirements of age, mileage and tax and MOT. You may have to provide some proof of employment, but in general, the new address should be sufficient. 

Expert answer

Hi James,

The problem is, if you’re using the car for anything other than strictly business use, then you have to tax it as a private car, and on a 2.0-litre engine that means it’ll cost €710 per year. As for insurance, it shouldn’t be too bad, but as ever Irish insurance is an utter minefield, and the advice is — as ever — to shop around and perhaps get in touch with a good local broker before deciding. 

Expert answer

Hi Richard,

The phrase ‘can of worms’ springs to mind. In general, a car can be registered to a company, and taxed and insured by the company, and still used by an individual for social, domestic and pleasure use. That’s how company cars work, obviously, but equally obviously there’s a Benefit-in-Kind tax liability to be paid. So it’s possible that your friend with the Land Cruiser is trying to avoid paying BIK.

In the case of the SUV, in theory a car that’s taxed as a commercial cannot be used for personal, social, domestic, or pleasure driving and there’s a fine to be paid if you’re caught displaying incorrect tax. Now, we should state at this point that we’re neither legal nor tax experts, and that the people you’re talking about could be operating entirely above board, and we’re not going to cast any aspersions on anyone.

Of course, this is Ireland and as we know, we don’t like sticking to the rules...