Could I afford to insure a 1.9 diesel?

Hi,

I am looking to buy myself a new car soon enough. I am simply waiting to have a full year on my insurance. I got insured on a 1.6-litre petrol Audi A3 Sportback, as my first car, with Axa insurance. The quote was around €3,700. I am looking for a diesel this time and I am wondering what kind of quotes I could be expecting if I try to get insured on a 1.9 diesel this time? There aren't many 1.6 diesel cars around that I would like to get.

Thanks!

Kris M (Dublin)

Jul 2019 Filed under: insurance

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Expert answer

Hi Kris,

The problem is that Irish insurers are a bit blunt-force when it comes to deciding their rates, and generally speaking (and completely erroneously) they simply tend to go by engine size. So even though there are plenty of older 1.9-2.0-litre diesel engines with similar power outputs to a more modern 1.6, they’ll probably quote you more just because it’s a bigger engine. Stupid, but then that pretty much sums up the insurance industry in Ireland. All I can suggest is either biting the bullet and getting a 1.6 that maybe you’re not as keen on, or finding a really good local broker who can help you track down quotes that us mere mortals can’t find. 

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe