Car Insurance

Why get car insurance with Howden?

Car insurance is there to protect you, your car, and the people around you. But working out what you really need can feel confusing. That is where Howden comes in. We’re an insurance broker, which means we work for you. Our job is to listen first, then help you find car insurance that fits your life in Ireland.

Whether you are a new driver, a daily commuter, or returning to Ireland after time abroad, we’ll outline your options clearly and talk you through comprehensive and third-party cover, optional extras, and ways to keep costs under control.

You will get guidance from real people with local knowledge, not just an online form. We compare policies from a panel of insurers, highlight what is and is not covered, and support you if you ever need to make a claim. It is expert advice with a personal touch, so you can drive away feeling confident you have car insurance that suits you.

Benefits of working with Howden:

• We’re driven to save you time, money, and hassle
• Personalised guidance backed by local expertise
• Chat to your local broker, within your community
• Car Insurance cover tailored to your needs
• We are there for you when something goes wrong with your car policy or in the case of emergencies
• Always just a phone call away for expert car insurance advice

Types of car insurance in Ireland

Comprehensive car insurance

Comprehensive car insurance covers damage to your own car as well as damage you may cause to other people, their car, or their property. It usually includes fire and theft cover and can often be extended with extras like windscreen cover or breakdown assistance. This type of car insurance is often chosen by drivers who want a higher level of protection, especially for newer or higher value cars.

It can also help protect your no claims bonus if you add certain options, depending on the insurer and policy chosen through Howden.

Third party fire and theft

Third party fire and theft car insurance covers your legal liability if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while driving, and it also covers your own car if it is stolen or damaged by fire. It does not normally cover accidental damage to your own car in other situations, such as a collision where you are at fault.

This can be a useful middle ground for drivers who want more protection than third party only, but do not need full comprehensive cover.

Third party only

Third party only is the minimum level of car insurance required by law in Ireland. It covers damage you cause to other people and their property but does not provide cover for damage to your own car.

While it’s often the cheapest option upfront, it can leave you paying out of pocket if your own car is damaged and needs repair or replacement.

Optional add on covers for your car policy

Depending on the insurer and policy we arrange for you, your car insurance can often be tailored with optional add ons, such as:

• Third‑party liability cover: This protects you against the cost of injuring someone or damaging their property and is included as standard in all policies.
• Accidental damage cover: Helps pay to repair or replace your own car if it’s damaged in an accident.
• Fire and theft protection: Covers your car if it’s stolen or damaged due to fire or attempted theft.
• Windscreen cover: Pays for windscreen repair or replacement without affecting your no claims bonus on many policies.
• Breakdown assistance: Provides roadside help in Ireland and, on some policies, additional support when travelling abroad.
• No claims discount protection: Helps you keep your no claims bonus after certain types of claims, depending on the insurer.
• Open driving or named driver extension: Allows other drivers (meeting the criteria) to drive your car or lets you add specific drivers to your policy.
• European driving cover: Offers protection when driving in approved European countries for a set number of days.

Specialist types of car cover we offer

Electric and hybrid car insurance: Cover designed for EV and hybrid drivers, with considerations for batteries, charging equipment, and specialist repairs.

Classic and vintage car insurance: Policies for older or collectible cars that value agreed valuations and specialist repair networks.

Performance and sports car insurance: Cover tailored for higher‑powered vehicles that may require specialist underwriting and repair expertise.

Learner driver insurance: Short‑term or annual cover that lets learners practice safely in a car owned by themselves or someone else.

Young driver insurance: Cover designed for younger or newly qualified drivers who need affordable, flexible protection suited to their experience level.

Imported or modified car insurance: Specialist cover for cars that have been customised or imported, including Japanese imports, offering protection that reflects unique specifications and non‑standard underwriting needs.

Second car or multi‑car cover: Multi-car insurance options exist for households with more than one vehicle, sometimes helping reduce overall insurance cost.

Comprehensive Cover vs Third Party Cover

Comprehensive car insurance gives you a wider safety net than third party only. If you have an accident that is your fault, comprehensive cover can help pay to repair or replace your own car, not just the other person’s. That can make a big difference if you rely on your car for work, family, or travel.

With comprehensive cover you may also be able to add extras like no claims discount protection, windscreen cover, or breakdown assistance, which can reduce stress and unexpected costs when something goes wrong.

Third party only still meets the legal requirement, but it leaves you more exposed. Choosing comprehensive car insurance is often about protecting the value of your own car and giving yourself more certainty about costs if the unexpected happens. Our car insurance advisors can talk you through the price difference so you can decide what is right for you.

What is not covered in your car policy?

Every car insurance policy has limits and exclusions. The exact list depends on the insurer and level of cover you choose, but your policy may not cover the following:

• Driving without a valid driving licence or without a valid NCT, where required
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Using your car for purposes not listed on your policy, for example certain types of business use
• Wear and tear or mechanical failure
• Personal belongings left in the car, unless specifically covered
• Claims arising from incorrect information provided when the policy was taken out or renewed
• Unauthorised drivers who are not named or covered under open driving conditions

Our advisors will highlight important exclusions and encourage you to read your policy documents carefully, so you understand exactly what is and is not covered.

Factors that can affect your car insurance premium

Car insurance prices in Ireland are based on risk. Some of the factors that can affect your premium include:

• Your driving experience: Younger or less experienced drivers usually pay more because insurers see them as higher risk.
• Your claims and penalty history: Previous claims or penalty points suggest a higher likelihood of future claims.
• Your car type and value: Cars that are newer, more expensive, or costlier to repair typically attract higher premiums.
• Your car’s performance: Larger engines or high‑performance models are usually seen as higher risk to insure.
• Your address and parking location: Where you live and where the car is kept overnight (e.g., driveway, garage, street) influences likelihood of theft or damage.
• Your mileage and usage: Driving long distances or using the car for commuting or business typically increases risk.
• Additional drivers: Adding young or inexperienced drivers can increase your premium.
• Breaks in insurance history: Gaps in previous cover can make insurers view you as higher risk.

Read our guide on how to save on your car insurance premiums in 2026.

Why a broker like Howden can prove beneficial?

When you buy car insurance direct from an insurer, you only see their products. When you work with a broker like Howden, you can access a range of insurers and policy types through one conversation.

A broker’s job is to understand your needs, explain your options clearly, and help you make informed choices. We can support drivers with more complex histories, people returning to Ireland from abroad, or those ensuring performance or older cars where the “one size fits all” online journey may not work.

If you ever need to make a claim, we are there to guide you through the process and help you deal with the insurer. It is a relationship built on advice and service, not just a one-off transaction.

At Howden, we can compare car insurance options from different insurers, explain where you might be over or under insured, and help you adjust your cover, so you are not paying for features you do not need.

What do I need to get a car insurance quote?

Having the right information to hand can make getting a car insurance quote quicker and more accurate. You will usually need:

• Your name, address, date of birth, and contact details
• Your driving licence type and how long you have held it
• Details of any penalty points or driving convictions
• Your no claims discount history, including proof from previous insurers
• The car’s registration number, make, model, and year
• How you use the car, for example commuting, social and domestic, or business use
• Where the car is kept overnight
• Details of any previous accidents or claims, even if you were not at fault
• Information about any additional drivers you want to add

If you are a returning expat (someone who has returned to Ireland from living abroad), bring any proof of previous driving and insurance experience from abroad. Your Howden broker can advise what will be accepted by Irish insurers. 

*Note: This is a marketing article from Howden Insurance. The information in this guide is accurate at time of publication. This content is provided for general information only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice.