FAQ

1. Do I have to use the repairer recommended by my insurance company?

No, over the past number of years, many insurance companies have developed "direct repairer" schemes, which they offer to their customers, however, you are entitled to have your car repaired wherever you wish and cannot be compelled to have your car repaired by a repairer you do not approve of.


2. What is a no claims bonus?

Your "no claims bonus" is a discount on your insurance premium that your insurance company gives for claim free driving from one year to the next.


3. What is your excess?

Your excess is the amount you must pay towards a claim on your insurance policy. It usually only applies to claims on your comprehensive policy for repairs to your own car and, in some cases, is waived with regard to a theft claim. The amount may vary according to the claim, but an example would be as follows: If it is going to cost €2,500 to repair the damage to your car and your excess is €250, your insurance company will pay €2,250.

4. When is your car a write off?

Your car is a write off when the cost of repairing your car is uneconomical when compared to the market value of the car. The insurance company's assessor will work out a value for your car before the accident based on a similar car in similar condition, and the insurance company will pay you that amount, less your excess and the salvage value (from bids by salvage dealers) of the car. It should be noted that the insurance company will pay the market value or the amount your car is insured for, which ever is the least, so it is important to accurately value your car before renewing your insurance each year. For example, let's say you insured your car for its new value in 1997 of €15,000 and continued each year to pay your premium based on this valuation. Now, in the event of a write off this year, you will be paid the market value of the car, not the insured amount of €15,000. It is also worth noting that the opposite is true if you have under estimated the value of your car: the insurance company will only pay the sum insured.


5. If you have a comprehensive policy, are all the named drivers on that policy insured comprehensively?

No, it not safe to assume that because you as the policyholder are comprehensively insured that named drivers are also. This is particularly the case with named drivers under 25 years and you should confirm with your insurance company/broker as to their insured status