FAQs about car insurance

How long is my quote valid for?

Our quotes remain valid for seven days. If you contact us regarding a quote that is greater than seven days old and has expired, it is likely that we will be able to reactivate that quote but the price or terms offered may change. We recommend that if you like the price and cover and are interested in purchasing our policy that you do so as soon as possible after the quote is generated.

What is a policy excess?

A policy excess is the monetary amount of a claim which is not insured. This amount will be shown on your Private Motor Schedule of Insurance and only applies to accidental damage claims unless stated otherwise.

I cannot get my NCT due to the backlogs, am I covered?

At Zurich we are pragmatic and understanding in our approach to the current delays at the National Car Testing Service.

Under the current circumstances, provided you make every effort to book your appointment in the normal way and if, through no fault of your own, you are unable to obtain your NCT due to backlogs at test centres, your cover will continue as normal provided there is evidence of an NCT appointment booking. Motor-insurance and road-traffic legislation require that motorists maintain their vehicles in a roadworthy condition at all times, and this remains the case. In the event of damage to the insured car, where the vehicle has been maintained in a roadworthy condition, we will continue to pay claims in line with the policy terms and conditions.

Will my named drivers get the same cover as I do?

It is possible that your named drivers will be granted the same cover as you, but you should refer to your policy schedule for confirmation. In some instances, named drivers may be offered a lower level of cover to you, the policyholder, or a higher excess. Cover for a named driver will never be extended to include Driving Of Other Cars.

Will I get a refund if I cancel my policy?

If you cancel your policy any time after your 14 day cooling off period, you will be charged a cancellation fee. Our cancellation fees only apply in the first year of insurance, so if you cancel after the first renewal, no fee will be charged. Please note that amounts greater than €10 remaining once the fee is subtracted will be refunded to you.

You should check your policy booklet to confirm what cancellation fee applies to your policy.

Who is covered to drive my car?

Any person who is a named driver on your policy can drive your car. Their name must be stated on the valid Insurance Certificate.

Can I add someone to my policy?

Yes, but conditions or limits may apply. Please contact us on 053 915 7775 to find out more.

Have you any administration fees?

Generally, we do not charge administration fees but we do reserve the right to charge a fee of €25.50 where applicable for permanent changes of vehicle, additional drivers, alterations of cover or replacement documents.

I have lost my certificate and/or disc, can I get a replacement?

Yes, of course you can. All you need to do is call us in Wexford on 053 915 7775 or on 0818 400 700. Lines are open Monday to Friday 08.30 – 18.30 or email us on customerhelp@zurich.com. We may ask you to complete a ‘lost certificate declaration’, which can be emailed or posted to us.

Can I continue to insure my old car while I try to sell it?

We can agree, in some instances, to temporarily add a second vehicle to your policy for a short period. This is subject to underwriting terms and conditions. If you wish to do this, call us in Wexford on 053 915 7775 or on 0818 400 700. Lines are open Monday to Friday 08.30 – 18.30.

Am I still insured if my tax runs out?

Yes, you are. However, it is a legal requirement to have tax on your car if you want to use it in a public place. Failure to have your car taxed and a valid tax disc displayed could result in a fine being issued by a Garda or traffic warden so we would recommend that you ensure your car is taxed at all times.

Can I temporarily add a driver to my policy?

Yes, we can temporarily add drivers to your policy. Call us in Wexford on 053 915 7775 or on 0818 400 700. Lines are open Monday to Friday 08.30 – 18.30 or email us on customerhelp@zurich.com for a quote to do so. Underwriting terms and conditions do apply so we may not be able to accept all drivers.

Can I contact you through your website?

Yes, you can fill in our online enquiry form, giving us details of your query and policy. We will respond within two working day.

This online form can be used for any query or change you may have to your policy.

Do you accept modifications?

We class a modification as a change to the insured car so that it differs from the manufacturers original specification when purchased from new.

Modifications can usually be split into different categories:

• Performance – often affecting the power output or the handling of the vehicle, can include changes to exhaust, engine, ECU changes such as chipping or remapping, brakes, suspension etc.
• Cosmetic – where the vehicles appearance is altered in some way, in some instances can affect performance. This can include changes to paint or stickers/decals, alloy wheels, bodykits, bootlid or bumper spoilers/extensions, window tinting etc.
• Functional – an adjustment made for a specific reason, such as a hitch/tow bar, roof racks or roof box, wind deflectors, bug shields etc.
• Safety features – additions or improvements made to make the car safer or assist the driver including parking sensors or reversing cameras, dash cameras etc
• Disability – adjustments made to the car to accommodate disabled drivers or passengers.

Unless we have specifically agreed to cover any modifications to your car, they will be excluded. In some cases modifications that are not disclosed may lead to us declining a claim or making your policy void, so it’s vital that you tell us specific details of any modifications to your vehicle.

You must alert us to each and every modification to your vehicle either before inception or before you have the change made. Modifications that are professionally made to facilitate disabilities are usually acceptable but you should make us aware of these also before going on cover or following the change. Modifications for performance or cosmetic purposes are less likely to be acceptable but will be considered if information is provided to us beforehand.

How can I pay for my policy?

We can accept payment in full by credit or debit card or cheque or bank draft. You can also pay via monthly instalments following a deposit payment.

Please note that we consider your payment method as being a rating factor so therefore it will influence your premium. Payment in full by credit or debit card or cheque or bank draft will be the cheapest way to pay for your policy.

I am a community first responder, is this ok?

We acknowledge that many of our policyholders may be members of a community first responder scheme and we are happy to facilitate this. If the membership of any scheme or group responsible for this requires you to have your motor insurance updated to reflect our acknowledgement of your involvement, we will require you to complete a voluntary work declaration form. Once received, we will note the indemnity on your policy without charge.

Am I covered to tow a trailer cover?

If you need to use your car to pull a trailer, you are covered automatically on your policy for third party liability only. It is important to note that cover only applies whilst the trailer is attached to your car, and there will be no cover to the trailer itself.

Please ensure that your driver’s licence allows you to tow a trailer – if you unsure of whether you licenced to tow a trailer, we recommend you contact the NDLS. It is also important that you are aware of the weight of the trailer and its cargo as well as the towing limits for your car, considering the ‘maximum authorised mass’ (MAM). Your vehicles owner manual should advise you on this but if you are uncertain you should consult your local main dealer.