A car insurance quandry

amyvic · 10 February 2007 at 3:11AM

Hi there
I'm buying a 1999 golf 1.9 TDI and been quoted ridiculous amounts via all the usual scraper websites to insure it, including tesco value and direct line.
I'm 34, been driving for 17 years, never had an accident, no points on my licence, but the cheapest quote i got for 3rd party was £473 (Provident Yes), £512 (Diamond). I've not had my own car for about 8 years so I'm lacking in no claims bonus. Even so, it still seems awfully high.
If I add my boyfriend to the premium it comes down by about £50/£100.
I live in London now, but I'm moving to Ireland at the end of March, so I'm looking for a bit of advice on what to do.
Do I... Insure it over here and will it cover me in Ireland?
Do I.... get temporary insurance (although this seems to only cover 28 days - about £130 for a month) and insure it with an Irish company when I move over there? (Irish insurance companies can be quite expensive I hear)
or
Do I... Insure it with an Irish company from the very beginning, bearing in mind it's only going to be in the UK for about a month before the move? (Presumably they allow you to drive your car overseas for a month or so...)
Heylp....
Any advice greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Amy

Mrs_pbradley936 · 10 February 2007 at 9:57AM

I have friends in Ireland and they tell me that the car insurance premiums are very high. I think it depends on how long you will be in Ireland – for good or only a few weeks. In other words your permanent address because the figures quoted will take where you live into consideration.

nickmack · 10 February 2007 at 10:21AM

amyvic wrote:

I'm buying a 1999 golf 1.9 TDI and been quoted ridiculous amounts via all the usual scraper websites to insure it, including tesco value and direct line.
I'm 34, been driving for 17 years, never had an accident, no points on my licence, but the cheapest quote i got for 3rd party was £473 (Provident Yes), £512 (Diamond). I've not had my own car for about 8 years so I'm lacking in no claims bonus. Even so, it still seems awfully high.

With zero no claims bonus, this does not seem excessive. Remember if you had full no claims, this would be less than half.

Minimods · 10 February 2007 at 10:33AM

It's definitely the fact you have no NCD, the quotes don't seem too bad to be honest. I think the best thing to do would be phone up an insurer and tell them your situation. If you have proof you have been driving another car (such as a company car) a lot of insurers can take this into account.

maclean2 · 10 February 2007 at 10:35AM

Hi - first of all premiums in Ireland have come down considerably in Ireland over the last five years and are much nearer UK levels.Try Quinn Direct and they will quote you for both countries if you want to check that out.

I would suggest that you insure in Ireland from the beginning provided an Irish insurance company will accept a UK registered car.

If you want short term insurance in the UK use ecarinsurance.co.uk monthly pay as you go.

As you will be living in Ireland permanently you will have to re-register the car there in due course.I cannot help you over that but I believe that the car licence there is considerably more than here.The cost is related to engine size so you may want to check this before you buy a 1.9 litre car.

Best of luck

peterg1965 · 10 February 2007 at 12:29PM

Have you been insured on anyone elses car insurance recently? That may help reduce the premium, some insurers will certainly take this into account.

amyvic · 11 February 2007 at 6:16PM

Thanks for all your considered and valuable help. I appreciate all your comments.
Kind regards
Amy

A car insurance quandry

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