Understanding the risks of driving without car insurance in Ireland

You might have concerns and questions about driving without insurance in Ireland, which we will look at in this article to answer your questions around driving without insurance. In Ireland, it is a legal requirement to have at least third-party insurance in order to drive on public roads. This is to ensure that, in the event of an accident, there is cover for injury to other people or damage to their vehicle. Driving without insurance can result in severe penalties such as fines, points on your license, or even imprisonment.

Can you drive without car insurance in Ireland?

You must have insurance to drive in Ireland. If you drive without insurance, you could be fined up to €5,000 and get five penalty points on your licence*. In addition, you could be disqualified from driving too.

Even when you are insured, there are penalties for failure to display an insurance disc so it’s important to remember to display your insurance disc on the vehicle you are driving.

What are the risks of driving without car insurance? 

Driving without car insurance carries significant risks that can lead to serious financial and legal consequences, such as:

1. Financial liability: If you're at fault in an accident, you might be held financially responsible for any property damage or medical expenses incurred by others.
2. Vehicle repairs: Without insurance, you'll have to pay for any damage to your own vehicle.
3. Medical costs: If you or your passengers are injured in an accident, without insurance, you'll be responsible for all medical expenses.
4. Uninsured motorist cover: Without insurance, you won't have protection if you're involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
5. Legal requirements: It is a legal requirement for all drivers to have insurance when driving. Failing to do so can lead to a range of penalties from fines to license suspension. So, it is essential to have an active car insurance policy to protect yourself, your passengers, and your property.

What happens if an uninsured driver has a car accident? 

In case of an accident, the Motor Insurer’s Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) compensates the victims and claims for personal injuries must be sent to the Injuries Resolution Board. If insured with Zurich, the insured could also claim on their own policy and we would look to recover the cost from the MIBI, however the insured would lose their no claims bonus if the claim isn’t fully recovered.

Do I need to display the insurance disc on the car? 

Yes, the Gardai require the insurance disc to be displayed at all times. Failure to display the disc can result in penalties from the Gardai, as mentioned above.

How do I ensure I have continuous car insurance cover? 

Maintaining continuous car insurance cover is important to avoid lapses that could lead to higher premiums, fines, or legal consequences.

Most insurance companies offer an automatic payments option. This ensures you never miss a payment, which could result in a lapse in cover.

It’s a good idea to renew early. Don't wait until the last minute to renew your policy. Start the renewal process at least a month before your current policy expires. This gives you ample time to resolve any issues that may arise.

It’s also important to make sure your insurance company has your current contact information so you receive all notifications regarding your policy. Equally, review your policy and make sure your cover meets your current needs. If your circumstances have changed, contact your insurance company to update your policy accordingly.

Source: *Citizens Information