Just moved to Ireland - need car insurance...

Hello,

I've just moved to Ireland and I will be staying here for about two years, which means I will have to apply for an Irish driving licence. I have a clean Malaysian driving licence, which is five years old. I am 36 years old and female, and I have a car insured in Malaysia that has never gone through any accident claim (knock on wood). I had driven in Malaysia for one year before moving to UK between 2015-2018, and in all those years I only drove when I went home for long holidays.

I have my eyes on a second hand 2012 Ford Focus 1.6 petrol (automatic). I live in a house with two large parking spaces. How much should I expect for first insurance? Or should I just settle on a 2010 1.0 Yaris instead? If I have a budget of €1,200 for first insurance, what's the best car I can get?

Thanks in advance!

Zura Adnan (Cork)

Apr 2019 Filed under: insurance

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Expert answer

Hi Zura,

OK, the good news is that you’ve got a clean record and a decent budget. The bad news, I’m afraid, is that an Irish insurer just won’t care about any of that. As far as they’re concerned, you’re starting with a blank slate. Sorry to have to tell you that, but the sad fact is that Irish insurers are incredibly hard to deal with and incredibly expensive on top.

I would think that €1,200 should be enough to cover a Focus 1.6 (especially given that you’re in your mid-thirties, which is considered a safe age), but it could be a safer bet to go for the Yaris, as insurers prefer a 1.0-litre engine (it’s an outdated view, but there you go). It would definitely be worth getting in touch with a good local insurance broker, though. They can often find better deals than are available through the usual websites etc. so definitely worth having a chat with.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe