Do I need separate car insurance to drive Ireland? (2024)

Do I need separate car insurance to drive Ireland?

Do I need extra insurance to drive in Ireland? The straightforward answer is no; you don't necessarily need extra insurance to drive in Ireland. However, it's always advised to carry your Certificate of Motor Insurance with you. This document details your coverage and is essential in the event of an accident.

Does my car insurance cover me to drive in Ireland?

Do I need extra insurance to drive in Ireland? Ireland and the UK are both part of the Green Card System, a Europe-wide scheme allowing all countries to recognise foreign vehicle insurance policies of visiting motorists, so it's quite possible your existing insurance will cover you.

Does my US car insurance cover me in Ireland?

Your U.S. policy likely only covers you in the U.S. and Canada, so you'll need a separate policy when driving in all other countries.

Should I get rental car insurance in Ireland?

In Ireland, unlimited Third Party Liability Insurance is a legal requirement as included in the pre-paid price of all car rentals in Ireland. Third Party Liability Insurance protects you from liability resulting from property damage, injury, or death caused to anyone or anything outside of your rental car.

Do I need anything to drive in Ireland?

Licence and insurance

You'll need either a valid, full national driving licence or an international driving permit to drive in Ireland. In the Republic of Ireland, you must carry your driver's licence at all times. You must also have car insurance either in your own name or as a named driver on another's policy.

Can I get car insurance in Ireland with a US driver's license?

If your licence was issued in a country outside of the EU, EAA or UK, you will need to apply for an Irish licence before seeking insurance. At GMIB, we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. We're rated as the top insurance broker on TrustPilot for a reason – because we always put our customers first.

What car insurance is required in Ireland?

Third party insurance is the minimum level of motor insurance needed in Ireland and throughout the European Union (EU) for all vehicles.

Does my auto insurance cover me internationally?

Most U.S. auto insurers won't cover you while driving abroad, except for driving in Canada and driving in Mexico. Unless you have a credit card offering rental car insurance, you'll probably need to purchase your insurance from the rental company. Learn more about international car insurance and rental car insurance.

Do I need extra insurance when renting a car in Europe?

Whichever car hire company you go with, they will provide you with basic insurance – but you'll need to check the small print to see what this covers. Some hire companies will provide you with a damage waiver, which is included in the cost of the car hire.

Do I need car insurance for Ireland?

Check with your insurer if your policy has extra cover for things like theft or damage to your car abroad. You do not need to carry a green card when you drive in the EU (including Ireland), Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia, and Switzerland. You still need valid vehicle insurance.

Can you decline CDW in Ireland?

While you can opt out of the CDW coverage in some countries, it is a mandatory insurance in Ireland. And while many credit cards offer CDW coverage if you use them to pay for the rental, a slightly deeper search shows that most do not cover rentals in Ireland.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Ireland?

Why are rental cars so expensive right now in Ireland?

The Car Rental Council of Ireland chief executive, Peter Boland, said the spike in prices in 2022 was primarily due to a global shortage of cars following the covid-19 pandemic.

What are the rules for Americans driving in Ireland?

You'll need either a valid, full national driving licence or an international driving permit to drive in Ireland. In the Republic of Ireland, you must carry your driver's licence at all times. You must also have car insurance either in your own name or as a named driver on another's policy.

Is it hard for Americans to drive in Ireland?

Driving in Ireland can be tricky for us Americans. Driving on the left, quirky roundabouts, and teeny-tiny one lane roads that you are sharing with other drivers, animals, and farm equipment.

Can you turn left on red in Ireland?

In Ireland, which drives on the left, it is prohibited to turn left on a red traffic light. Very rarely you may see a flashing yellow arrow pointing left, which means you can turn left but only if it is safe to do so and the road is clear and there is no traffic coming from the right.

Is US drivers license good in Ireland?

As a visitor to Ireland you can drive on a driving licence from any state outside the EU/EEA for up to one year provided the driving licence is current and valid. However, on taking up 'normal residence' in Ireland you must either exchange your driving licence or apply for a driving licence in Ireland.

What is international car insurance?

International auto insurance is just as it sounds. It's insurance that covers the vehicle you are driving when you are out of your home country.

What is the price of car insurance in Ireland?

Do you need insurance to travel to Ireland?

It's important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. A GHIC or EHIC does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment.

What is the fine for no car insurance in Ireland?

Offences for driving without insurance are prosecuted in court. Failure to display an insurance disk carries an initial fixed charge of €60 (rising to €90 after 28 days). If you drive while uninsured, you could be fined up to €5000 and get 5 penalty points. You could also go to prison for up to 6 months.

Can I use my USA insurance in another country?

U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas. More information is also available on the CDC insurance page.

Can I use my US car insurance in Europe?

Your first call should be to your car insurance carrier or agent, although most U.S. personal auto insurance policies will not cover you in Europe. However, your credit card might offer coverage for free. In that case you might not need to buy rental car insurance at all.

Does Geico car insurance cover international?

Overseas insurance is insurance for your car, motorcycle, and personal property that's available while you are living outside of the United States. GEICO has provided overseas insurance through its affiliate, GEICO Financial Services GmbH since 1960.

How much is CDW insurance in Ireland?

Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW)

Super Collision Damage Waiver reduces your remaining excess towards €0.00. Can be purchased for €28.25 - €42.37 per day. Price tiers usually mean that you pay even more to get €0.00 excess.