2 min read | September 2024
Moving abroad can be an exciting time, but what should you do if you have an active car insurance policy? It's important to consider your car insurance before you leave, as it could save you additional costs in the long run.
Below is some information and options you may find useful before your departure, grouped according to the length of time you plan to be abroad:
Less than 1 Year
If you plan to live abroad for less than a year, an appropriate solution may be to suspend your active car insurance policy. If your car is not in use for 28 days or more, and you suspend your insurance by returning your certificate and disc to us, you will receive a pro-rata refund of your last paid renewal premium for the period of suspension. Note that a midterm adjustment fee of €20 may apply. During this period, neither you nor any named drivers will be covered to drive your car; however, your car may continue to be protected against damage from fire or theft, depending on the terms of your policy and whether you choose to maintain these covers. If your stay abroad extends into a new insurance period, cancelling the contract may be a better option.
1-2 Years
Normal market practice for a No Claims Discount is that it remains valid for up to 2 years from the lapse or cancellation date, provided it has not been transferred to another vehicle. So, if you plan to be abroad for less than 2 years, your No Claims Discount will still be valid. Your No Claims Discount reflects your previous level of insured driving experience under your own name.
More than 2 Years
If more than two years have passed since your Irish motor insurance policy was lapsed or cancelled, your No Claims Discount is no longer valid. However, if you have a proven, claims-free insured driving experience in another country under your own name, we may take this experience into consideration when you seek a quotation from us upon your return to Ireland, provided you can submit appropriate verifiable documentation. This documentation may include a No Claims Bonus Statement and/or a letter of insured driving experience from the relevant country. Ensure that all documentation obtained abroad is verifiable and contains as much detailed, relevant information as possible, such as dates of cover, types of insurance held, and certification of claims-free insured driving.
Initially, we recommend that you confirm your prospective insurance provider's ability to provide such documentation when you return home; or, better yet, use the services of one of our affiliated companies if available in the relevant country.
Information correct as of date of publishing. This blog will not be updated or edited so the information may become outdated.
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