Understanding how car insurance claims work in Ireland is important for both customer and providers. In the guide below, we look at some of the trends that affect car insurance claims, and give you some insights to better understand the current face of car insurance in Ireland.
Car Insurance Claims Process in Ireland
The car insurance claims process in Ireland has been shaped over time by various factors, including legislative changes, demographic trends and new technologies.
Types of Car Insurance Claims
Collision and Comprehensive Claims
Collision claims, resulting from accidents with other vehicles or stationary objects, are the most common type of claim in Ireland. Comprehensive claims, which cover events like theft, fire, and vandalism, are less frequent but significant, especially in urban centres where the risk of such incidents is higher.
Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury claims, though not as common as property damage claims, are a major concern due to their high cost. The introduction of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) and subsequent legislative reforms have been instrumental in standardising and expediting the process of these claims, aiming to reduce fraudulent practices and ensure fair compensation.
Factors That Influence Car Insurance Claims
The landscape of car insurance claims in Ireland has been shaped by various factors, including technological advancements, legislative changes, and demographic shifts.
Legislative Changes
The Irish government has implemented several legislative changes aimed at creating a more balanced and fair insurance market. Stricter penalties for driving offences, reforms in the PIAB process, and initiatives aimed at creating greater transparency in insurance pricing are all steps towards stabilising the insurance market and protecting consumers.
Demographics
Young drivers, traditionally seen as high-risk, have shown a decrease in claim frequency, attributed to improved driver education and awareness initiatives. However, the severity of claims involving this demographic remains a concern, with incidents on the road often linked high speeds.
Older drivers tend to be involved in fewer accidents, but when they do occur, they are typically low-speed, minor collisions, often in urban settings.
Demographics
New and emerging technologies also play a role in how car insurance claims are processed. Most modern cars now come equipped with infotainment systems and advanced driver safety features built-in. While these technologies are designed to keep you safe and have been shown to successfully reduce road traffic accidents, they can have an impact of the cost of an insurance claim if an accident does occur.
The increasing use of dashcams by motorists across Ireland is helping insurers to resolve claims, establish liability and detect fraud. Additionally, drivers and other road users who record dashcam footage of dangerous driving will soon be able to upload the footage to an online portal, under plans by the An Garda Síochána. It is hoped that the portal will be live in 2026 allowing other road users to submit footage that could then be looked at An Garda with a view to potential prosecution.
Seasonal and Regional Variations
The Irish weather plays a role in insurance claims, with winter months seeing an increase in incidents due to shorter days and challenging weather conditions. This time of year often sees a rise in minor collisions and single-vehicle accidents.
In terms of regional differences, densely populated urban areas like Dublin experience a higher frequency of claims, primarily due to the increased number of vehicles on the road.
In contrast, rural areas, while reporting fewer incidents, often see more severe accidents, likely due to higher speeds and less congested roads.
Future Trends In Car Insurance
The future of car insurance claims in Ireland is likely to be influenced by several key factors:
Impact of Autonomous Vehicles:
The gradual introduction of autonomous vehicles is anticipated to lead to a decrease in collision claims. However, this may also introduce new types of claims related to technology failures or cybersecurity issues.
Climate and Weather-Related Claims:
With the ongoing impact of climate change, there may be an increase in claims related to extreme weather events, necessitating adjustments in insurance policies and coverage.
Urbanisation Areas:
As urban areas become more congested, the frequency of minor collision claims is expected to rise. This trend may prompt the need for insurance products specifically tailored to urban living conditions.
The Last Word
The car insurance claims process in Ireland is constantly changing and evolving. For customers looking to take out a car insurance policy, it’s important to understand the different factors in order to make informed decisions about their car insurance.
For insurance providers, these insights are invaluable for developing policies that meet the evolving needs of Irish drivers. As the industry navigates these changes, a responsive, fair and forward-thinking approach is needed.
Contact KennCo for a secure, reliable insurance quote today. We will be happy to give you a quote or dicuss your options. Call 01 409 2600 today.
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