The Department of Transport has responsibility for the legislative requirement regarding compulsory motor third party insurance in Ireland. It has no role in the regulation of insurers, or in the pricing or provision of motor insurance which are consumer matters.
Motor third-party liability insurance is the minimum level of compulsory insurance in Ireland and throughout the European Union for all vehicles. Fire, Theft and Comprehensive cover are additional benefits which motor insurance companies offer for an increased premium.
It is important to note that under compulsory motor insurance, the driver of the vehicle which caused the accident is never covered. It also needs to be understood that comprehensive insurance normally only covers the vehicle and not the driver.
All third party liability motor insurance policies are valid throughout the European Union for the full term of their cover. Additional benefits such as Fire, Theft and Comprehensive cover need to be negotiated with the motor insurance provider.
Motor Insurance is provided for by insurance companies providing motor insurance either directly or through an insurance broker. The regulation of motor insurance is the responsibility of the Irish Central Bank.
Motor insurance companies issue a disc together with a certificate of insurance and policy of insurance. The current insurance disc must by law be displayed on the vehicle.
In seeking motor insurance it is usually worthwhile to get quotes from several suppliers. Many insurers will now give quotes online as well as over the phone. It is important to supply full and accurate information relating to both vehicle and personal circumstances so that the insurance cover purchased adequately meets your requirements.
If you cannot secure insurance from any source - then there is a Declined Cases programme in place. The Declined Cases Agreement exists to facilitate motorists meeting their obligation to have third party liability motor insurance.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission also have some very useful tips on how to get the best value insurance for your needs.
Please consult the Rules of the Road available for correct behaviour at the scene of an accident and what to do in the case of an emergency.
Under EU and Irish law, all EU citizens involved in road traffic accidents have the right to seek compensation for personal injuries or property damage directly from the insurer of the motorist causing the accident.
In Ireland, this is made easier by the display of motor insurance discs on all vehicles. The insurance disc gives the name of the insurer and the reference number of the insurance policy.
However in instances where only the registration number of the vehicle is known by the injured victim, an enquiry can be made to the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland which can access the name of the insurer and the insurance policy number.
All personal injury claims must be submitted to The Injuries Board naming the relevant motor insurance company or in the case of an uninsured accident, the the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland.
The motor insurance company or the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland must give a reasoned reply to the claimant within three months of the claim being made.
In the case of accidents with uninsured or untraced drivers, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland is the body which compensates the victims.
At the same time any claim for personal injury must be sent to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board . This is the statutory body which provides independent assessment of personal injury compensation for victims of Workplace, Motor and Public Liability accidents.
Please consult the Rules of the Road available for correct behaviour at the scene of an accident and what to do in the case of an emergency.
All EU citizens involved in a road traffic accident in another Member State other than their state of residence are entitled to settle their compensation claim for personal injury and property damage in their country of residence and in their own language.
Each motor insurer in the EU must appoint and authorise a Claims Representative in each other Member State to settle any liability in the language of the claimant.
If you are an Irish resident involved in an accident abroad, on their return to Ireland they should contact the Information Centre at the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland to find the contact details of the relevant Claims representative.
You ask the Information Centre to obtain copies of the accident report made by the other motorist to their insurer. You can also seek a copy of the police accident report from the relevant authorities.
For uninsured accidents, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau system represented in each Member State are authorised to settle any liability in the language of the claimant.
For Irish residents involved in an accident abroad, on their return to Ireland; contact the Information Centre at the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland to find the contact details of the relevant Claims representative.
You can also contact may be made to the department’s Road Safety Division at: