Territorial Limits - Republic of Ireland

jammin_2

So, I've just bought a new car and new car insurance policy to match. I spend a lot of my time in the Republic of Ireland (most, in fact), so I needed to have an insurance policy which includes cover whilst in the Republic of Ireland.

Reading through as many insurance companys' policy documents as I could find, I found that most insurance companys' Territorial Limits include England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

However, a few insurance companies add the Republic of Ireland to those above, as being within their Territorial Limits. That's very nice, and perfect for what I need. More Than is one of these companies, and the one I chose.

Just a question: the car is UK registered and registered at my home address in England. When I'm in the Republic of Ireland (still within the Territorial Limits, remember), what happens if my car gets nicked, from, say, being parked on the drive of my home in Ireland?

I called More Than and asked about this. First, I was told that the Republic of Ireland was not within their territorial limits. Oh dear. Not according to their Policy Document, I told the agent. She went away and came back saying that, actually, Republic of Ireland is within their territorial limits. Phew, first hurdle over. So, what if I go there for months on end? My car's no longer "kept" at my home address in England? She told me that I'd need to ring up before I go, and they'll amend the address that the vehicle is kept at, accordingly. However, I may be charged a further premium.

Can this be right?

vikingaero

Most Insurers give cover for trips abroad for a certain number of days without charge. Your situation is different in that you have effectively informed the Insurer of a material change in risk. The premuim is rated on your UK address and not your Eire address.

You only need to re-register a vehicle in another EU state if you leave or intend to leave the car there for longer than 6 months.

We insure our family fleet using my parents Kent address. But the premiums are rated on the postcode of each individual car. My sisters MINI costs the most to insure based on a Manchester postcode.

If your policy is due for renewal I would look at NFU Mutual who recently advertised unlimited euro cover and replacing a vehicle if a total loss within 2 years of purchase. Otherwise if you spend most of your time in Eire you need to take out an Irish Policy.

raskazz

More Than's acceptance criteria include:

"You and anyone who may drive the car you’re insuring ... Are normally resident in the UK"

Territorial limits are pretty irrelevant to your circumstances. Cover is provided within territorial limits but that doesn't mean that you can reside anywhere you like within those territorial limits. You aren't normally resident in the UK, thus More Than won't cover you.

If you spend most of your time in the Republic of Ireland you should get a policy in the Republic of Ireland. If your car was stolen whilst you were residing in the Republic of Ireland More Than would refuse any claim.

jammin_2

Thanks both of you.

I was hoping you'd reply, raskazz. You've got me thinking now.

I can cancel the More Than policy within 14 days of taking it out. And I think I will, after what you've said.

Quinn Direct in ROI insure UK registered cars, so I think I'll take out a policy with them (which I was in two minds of doing anyway).

They're more expensive than UK insurers, but then, I wouldn't want the worst to happen and then find myself uninsured.

Cheers, raskazz. :beer: