Category: News

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KennCo Insurance is delighted to announce its official sponsorship of The Irish FIRE Podcast, hosted by Michael Houghton, for 2025.

Since 2018, Michael has been a leading voice in Ireland’s Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) community. Through his popular podcast and blog, he documents his family’s personal journey towards financial independence, sharing both the challenges and successes along the way.

With the simple goal of inspiring others to live more intentionally, take control of their finances and create more freedom in their lives, Michael’s approachable style has made him a trusted source of inspiration for thousands of listeners.

As part of this sponsorship, KennCo will proudly support Michael’s content throughout 2025, helping him continue to deliver high-quality content that empowers people to think differently about money, lifestyle and freedom. 

Michael’s work has been featured in national outlets such as The Irish Times and The Irish Independent, cementing his role as a key voice in the Irish personal finance space.

Noel Gavin, Marketing Manager at KennCo Insurance, said: “We’re excited to partner with our customer Michael and The Irish FIRE Podcast. At KennCo, we believe in supporting people who inspire positive change in their communities, and Michael’s work around financial independence is a perfect fit. His story shows that with planning and commitment, people can build a future on their own terms, something that resonates strongly with our values at KennCo.”

The Irish FIRE Podcast is available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. KennCo Insurance is a leading Irish provider of car, home, and travel insurance, committed to offering value and support to its customers across the country.

About KennCo Insurance: KennCo Insurance is a 100% Irish-owned company providing car, van, travel and home insurance policies since 2008. KennCo is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and supporting Ireland’s next generation of safe, confident drivers.

About The Irish FIRE Podcast: The Irish FIRE Podcast, hosted by Michael Houghton, is a leading voice in Ireland’s Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) community. By sharing his own family’s journey, Michael aims to inspire listeners to live more intentionally, take control of their finances and build a life with more freedom.

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Following the publication of a new report on motorcyclist safety from the Road Safety Authority (RSA), KennCo Insurance is issuing an urgent appeal to all car, van and young drivers to increase their awareness of motorcyclists on Irish roads.

The ‘Motorcyclist Spotlight Report’ provides a detailed analysis of collision data between 2020 and 2024. Its findings highlight specific dangers and trends that  motorists need to understand in order to protect more vulnerable road users.

Key findings from the RSA report include:

• An average of 21 motorcyclists were killed and 177 were seriously injured each year from 2020 – 2024.
  
  
• The most common cause identified in multi-vehicle collisions resulting in serious injury was a ‘failure to observe’ by another driver.
  
  
• 63% of motorcyclist fatalities involved collisions with other vehicles, with cars being the most common other vehicle involved (59%).
  
  
• Junctions are significant danger zones, accounting for 27% of all motorcyclist deaths.
  
  
• The risk increases on weekends, with half of all fatalities occurring on a Saturday or Sunday.

These statistics underscore the vulnerability of motorcyclists, who have none of the physical protections as car and van drivers. 

A motorcycle can be easily hidden in a driver’s blind spot and it can be difficult for other road users to accurately judge their speed or distance, particularly at junctions. The data clearly shows that a momentary lapse in a driver’s concentration can have devastating and life-altering consequences.

Noel Gavin, Marketing Manager for KennCo Insurance, commented on the report’s findings. “The statistics from the RSA are a sobering but strong reminder of our duty to protect vulnerable road users. It’s all about awareness when the most common cause of collisions is often a simple failure to observe. We are asking every driver to build one simple habit: ‘Look Twice for Bikes.’ An extra glance at a junction or when changing lanes takes only a second, but can prevent a tragedy.”

For drivers looking for more detailed advice on this topic, KennCo has updated an guide on motorcycle safety that provides practical tips for sharing the road safely, and is a valuable resource for all motorists.

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As students across Ireland prepare to head to college, KennCo Insurance is urging young drivers and their parents to be aware of key road safety and potential insurance issues. With official data highlighting increased risks for younger motorists, understanding the rules is essential to ensure they are safe and properly insured.

Data from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) consistently shows that road users aged 16-24 are the highest-risk group on Irish roads. This risk can be heightened when young people begin driving in new and busy cities and towns, often with unfamiliar traffic layouts and more distractions. 

It’s important that young drivers stay focused and don’t engage in other activities such as using a mobile phone while driving, even if it’s to check a map, read a message or make a call. Even interacting with a car’s built-in computer can take a driver’s focus off the road and increase the chances of a collision. 

It’s vital that young drivers recognise these risks and keep their full attention on the road.

Beyond the challenges of driving in a new location, KennCo is highlighting several critical insurance pitfalls that can leave families exposed to significant financial risk:

• Insurance Fronting: Car Insurance Fronting is when a more experienced driver, usually a parent, is named as the main driver of a car that is primarily being used by a young driver. It is a form of insurance fraud and can lead to a policy being voided.
  
  
• Change of Location: An insurance premium is calculated based on a number of different factors, including where a vehicle is normally kept overnight. If a student takes a car to college in a different town or city, the insurer must be notified to keep the policy valid.
  
  
• Learner Drivers: Learner drivers face several restrictions that fully licensed drivers do not. It is illegal for a learner permit holder to drive unaccompanied. If a learner driver has an accident while driving alone, their insurance policy will not cover them. Additionally, learner drivers are not permitted to drive on motorways or carry passengers for hire or reward. 

Noel Gavin, Marketing Manager of KennCo Insurance, stressed the importance of transparency. “Starting college is a major milestone, and for many young people, it comes with the new freedom of having a car. We want to ensure that experience is a safe one for all road users. Statistics show young drivers need to be especially cautious, but it’s the insurance details that can often catch families out.”

Mr. Gavin continued, “Issues like fronting or forgetting to update a policy address might seem like minor details, but they can have massive consequences. An invalidated policy can leave a family liable for costs or legal trouble. Our advice is simple: be open and honest with your insurer about who is driving the car and where it is being kept. A correct policy is the only policy that truly protects you.”

KennCo recommends that families check their insurance policy to ensure all details, including the main driver and the car’s term-time address, are correct and up-to-date. KennCo also advises that young and learner drivers adhere to the rules of the road and allow extra travel time for new routes to ensure the academic year gets off to a safe start.

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KennCo Insurance is excited to announce the addition of Brendan Tierney, a highly respected Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) from Sligo, as our new brand ambassador for learner drivers. With a passion for supporting new drivers, KennCo is thrilled to have Brendan join the team to help guide and empower Ireland’s next generation of safe, confident drivers.

Brendan has been an Approved Driving Instructor since 2011, running a successful driving school in Sligo town. Known for his calm, student-focused teaching style, Brendan has helped countless learners build their confidence and pass their driving tests. His approachable manner and expert guidance make him the perfect fit to drive KennCo’s goal of promoting road safety and confidence among new and young drivers in Ireland.

In his new ambassador role with KennCo, Brendan will be sharing weekly content through blogs, interactive TikToks and video content that is specifically aimed at learner drivers. This will include practical driving tips, test preparation and advice and real-world insights, all delivered in Brendan’s trademark down-to-earth style

@learntodriveonlinesligo

Ask yourself these 2 Questions when Approaching a Roundabout!! . . . #Ad This video is brought to you by KennCo Insurance. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland. https://www.kennco.ie/ @KennCo Insurance

♬ original sound – learntodrivesligo

With knowledge and wealth of experience, Brendan’s content will be a valuable resource for anyone preparing for their driving test or looking to improve their skills on the road.

John Kennedy, Owner of KennCo Insurance, said, “We’re thrilled to have Brendan on board as our brand ambassador for learner drivers. His years of expertise along with his calm, student-first approach match perfectly with our own values here at KennCo. Together, we look forward to providing valuable content that helps learners feel confident and prepared for the road ahead.“

KennCo is proud to be working with Brendan to support Ireland’s learner drivers on their journey to becoming safe and confident motorists. Be sure to follow Brendan and KennCo on social media, especially TikTok, for weekly tips, videos and updates.

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The number of uninsured private vehicles on Irish roads has halved since the introduction of the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID), according to recent research from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI). 

Figures from the MIBI revealed that in 2024 there were 101,881 uninsured vehicles being driven on Irish roads. In 2022, this figure was 187,000 (four times higher than the EU average) and the new research suggests an almost 50% drop in that number.   

This is a significant reduction in the percentage of uninsured vehicles on Irish roads, dropping from one in every 12 in 2022 to one in every 25 in 2024. The introduction of the IMID has played a crucial role in this improvement by helping Gardaí to more easily identify uninsured drivers. 

The MIBI estimates that uninsured drivers add approximately €30-€35 to the cost of every motor insurance policy in Ireland. 

The IMID was introduced in 2024 and consolidates detailed insurance policy data including vehicle registration numbers, driver numbers, policy holder details and named driver information into a single database. This information is shared with An Garda Síochána and the Department of Transport to help identify uninsured vehicles. 

David Fitzgerald, CEO of the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI), commented, “It is very encouraging to see the impact that the new detection system is already having on the number of private uninsured vehicles on our roads. Following its introduction the number of uninsured private vehicles has practically halved, which is good news for all road users and anyone concerned about Irish road safety.“

Last year alone, Gardaí used the database to seize 18,676 uninsured vehicles and issue 26,094 summonses and charges. The IMID is updated daily so that Gardaí have accurate data to carry out checks and ensure drivers are in compliance with motor insurance laws.

Since its introduction, the Irish Motor Insurance Database has proven to be highly effective in the fight against uninsured driving, leading to safer roads and better insurance compliance. 

John Kennedy, Managing Director for KennCo Insurance, said, “The new figures from the MIBI showing the halving of uninsured drivers on Irish roads is a huge achievement in road safety. The IMID has proven to be an effective way to boost compliance and ensure that drivers are properly insured. At KennCo, we will continue to fully support any and all efforts to make our roads safer, and we urge all motorists to ensure they are properly covered.“

The reduction in uninsured vehicles is a major step forward in improving road safety in Ireland. 

As the MIBI and An Garda Síochána continue working to reduce the number of uninsured vehicles and protect all road users, KennCo Insurance is committed to supporting these initiatives and urge all motorists to ensure they are properly insured to contribute to safer roads.

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KennCo Insurance is proud to announce a new partnership with Carzone.ie for 2025. The partnership will see KennCo take over the Learner Hub section of Ireland’s most popular car sales platform to provide young drivers with practical guidance and information to help them start their driving journey confidently.

As part of this collaboration, KennCo will take over Carzone’s Learner Hub to provide advice and insights to young and new drivers. Starting in May 2025, KennCo will be publishing content aimed at educating young and learner drivers on the topics of road safety awareness, understanding car insurance and buying their first car – as well as offering practical tips on passing the Irish driving test and safe driving habits. 

John Kennedy, Owner of KennCo Insurance, said, “We’re excited to partner with Carzone to offer practical, accessible advice for young drivers. Safe driving comes with experience and knowledge. Many young and learner drivers who are just starting out driving might not know what to look for when buying their first car or their first insurance policy. So, it’s important they have the right information available to become safe and responsible drivers. Our partnership with Carzone will give them the tools they need to make informed decisions and stay safe on the road.”

KennCo Insurance is committed to supporting young drivers at every stage of their journey, and our partnership with Carzone is an important step in helping young drivers get the resources they need to make informed choices, and take to the road safely with knowledge and confidence.

• About Carzone: Carzone.ie is Ireland’s leading online car marketplace, offering a wide range of new and used cars, as well as expert advice and resources for buying, selling and owning a car. The Learner Hub is a dedicated space for young and learner drivers, offering guidance and tips to make the driving experience safer and more informed.

 

• About KennCo Insurance: KennCo Insurance is a 100% Irish-owned company that has been offering car, van, travel, and home insurance policies for over 20 years. The company is committed to delivering high-quality customer service and affordable insurance options that support road safety and young drivers.
  
  KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.

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Motorists across Ireland can face significant differences in car insurance costs depending on where they live. Our recent data has revealed the Irish counties with the most expensive car insurance costs, with some regions of the country seeing the cost of their premiums exceed well above the average!

While the cost of car insurance generally differs based on a number of different factors, drivers across Ireland can also expect to pay a higher or lower average premium based on their county, according to our data and research. 

Counties In Ireland With Most Expensive Car Insurance

Leading the rankings for the highest car insurance premiums is Longford, where drivers fork out almost 6% higher than the national average annually for car insurance. This is followed closely by Waterford, where motorists can expect to pay almost 4% higher than the average cost per year – residents in Carlow are close behind with average premiums of 3.7% above the national average. 

The Top 10 Counties in Ireland with the most expensive car insurance are: 

1. Longford 
2. Waterford
3. Carlow 
4. Limerick 
5. Kilkenny 
6. Westmeath
7. Tipperary South 
8. Kerry 
9. Leitrim
10. Louth

While Dublin is often assumed to have the highest car insurance premiums, the capital placed surprisingly low on the list with drivers paying almost 3.5% below the national average for their car insurance – and far less than what drivers in Longford, Waterford and other areas can expect to pay!

Counties In Ireland With Lowest Car Insurance Costs

On the other end of the scale, drivers in Laois, Wicklow and Sligo enjoy significantly lower car insurance premiums compared to the rest of the country. Based on our research, the cheapest counties in Ireland for car insurance are:

1. Laois
2. Wicklow 
3. Sligo 
4. Donegal 

Regional Insights on Car Insurance Costs in Ireland

Leinster: The province experiences some of the highest and lowest insurance premiums in Ireland. Longford and Carlow are among the most expensive in the country, while Laois and Wicklow have some of the lowest costs. Dublin comes in lower than expected, and below the national average, when compared to other counties.

Munster: Waterford, Limerick and Tipperary North & South have some of the highest insurance costs in Munster. While Cork and Clare are close to but still below the national average.

Connacht: The west of the country generally enjoys lower premiums with Sligo and Galway both paying below the national average. While drivers in Mayo and Roscommon can also expect to pay more affordable rates than many parts of Leinster and Munster.

Ulster (ROI counties only): Drivers in the north of the country also find themselves in a more affordable bracket. Donegal has one of the lowest premiums in the country, while Cavan and Monaghan sit near the national average.

Why Do Insurance Costs Vary by County?

Car insurance premiums are calculated based on various risk factors, including accident rates, crime levels, population density and even the number of uninsured drivers in a region. Regions with higher rates of road accidents, vehicle thefts and a high frequency of claims tend to see increased insurance costs.

What Can Drivers Do to Lower Insurance Premiums?

Regardless of where you live, there are several ways to potentially save on your car insurance costs. Your car insurance is calculated based on several different factors. Understanding these can help you make smarter choices:

Choosing the Right Insurance

Choosing the right car insurance policy for you is a matter of weighing cost against coverage. You need to consider factors like the extent of coverage, as well as the insurer’s reputation and specific policy details like personal injury or property damage coverage.

Keep a Clean Driving Record:

Keeping a clean driving record by avoiding penalties and claims can keep your premiums down in the long term. Insurers tend to reward safe and reliable drivers with a no-claims bonus which can bring down their overall premium costs. 

Choice of Car:

The type of car you drive can have an impact on your wallet when it comes to car insurance. 
Cars with larger engines, SUVs and luxury vehicles usually come with higher premiums. So choosing a smaller car with good safety features, a strong safety record and lower repair costs can lead to a drop in your rates.

Adding a Named Driver

A named driver is someone who regularly drives your car and is listed on your insurance policy – like a partner. Adding an experienced and safe named driver to your policy can help reduce your premiums. If you choose to do this, just make sure the named driver has a clean license and record as adding someone high-risk can have the opposite effect. 

Pay Insurance Annually

A lot of insurers will offer a discount to drivers who pay for car insurance annually, instead of monthly. Monthly payments can work out extra due to associated admin charges and interest so, if you can afford to, paying for your insurance upfront can save you money. 

Car Security

Investing in a security system for your car and parking in a secure location may also help reduce your car insurance premiums. Devices like immobilisers, alarms and trackers make it harder for someone to steal your car – reducing the risk of a claim. Some insurers might give a discount for cars with security systems installed.

Car insurance costs continue to be a necessary but significant expense for Irish motorists, with premiums varying greatly by county. Areas like Longford and Waterford can expect to face higher costs, while drivers in Wicklow and Sligo enjoy lower-than-average premiums compared to the rest of the country. 

As always, shopping around and understanding the factors affecting pricing can help drivers secure the best possible rates for their needs. If you need a quick reliable quote or want  advice on competitive insurance options, contact a member of the KennCo team today at 01 409 2600.

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Effective from March 31, 2025, all motorists in Ireland are legally required to provide their unique driver number, along with those of any named drivers listed on their policy, when purchasing or renewing car insurance. 

This stems from changes to the Road Traffic Act 2023 aimed at improving road safety and reducing the number of uninsured drivers on Irish roads. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) estimates that there were close to 188,000 uninsured vehicles on roads across Ireland in 2022. 

The driver number is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned to each licensed driver in Ireland, located under section 4(d) on the driver’s licence. It’s consistent throughout a driver’s lifetime, regardless of vehicle changes. ​

Insurance providers will be unable to issue or renew policies without this information. Therefore, motorists should provide their driver number and those of any named drivers to their insurers as soon as possible to maintain uninterrupted coverage.

The MIBI has stated that driver information will be added to the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID), which is used by An Garda Síochána to track insurance policies for over 3 million vehicles in Ireland. 

By linking driver numbers to the database, An Garda Síochána can more easily detect uninsured drivers, and check if drivers have committed any road-traffic offences. The IMID is updated daily, ensuring the data is accurate and helps maintain road safety.

John Kennedy, Managing Director of KennCo Insurance, stated, “The introduction of mandatory driver numbers in insurance policies is a significant step toward ensuring all road users are properly insured. We encourage our customers to provide this information as quickly as possible to make sure they are properly covered and to contribute to safer roads across Ireland.“

KennCo Insurance remains committed to supporting road safety initiatives and facilitating compliance with new regulations. We advise all policyholders to review their driver details and update their information to ensure continuous insurance coverage.

About KennCo Insurance
KennCo Insurance, established in 2008, operates as a part of KennCo Underwriting Limited, which has risen to become one of Ireland’s largest underwriting agencies. Proudly based in Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin, we are committed to providing competitively priced insurance policies for car, van, travel and home.

KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.

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The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has reported a 4% decrease in road deaths for 2024. 

Statistics from the RSA show that a total of 174 people lost their lives on Irish roads last year, which is down from 181 road deaths recorded in 2023. 

While the 4% decrease is a positive development, the RSA maintained that the number of fatalities remains far too high and reiterated the need for continued road safety efforts and awareness to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on Irish roads.

Regionally, Dublin (23), Cork (19), Mayo (19) and Donegal (17) reported the highest number of fatalities, accounting for 45% of the total figure; while a high percentage of male fatalities was also recorded in the data. 

The trend of young driver fatalities also continued in 2024 with 60 recorded fatalities (35%) occurring where drivers were aged 25 years or younger. 

Seven in ten fatal road collisions took place on roads with a speed limit of 80km or greater. With almost a quarter (23%) of road fatalities happening between 4pm and 8pm, indicating a peak in road accidents during late afternoon and early evening when people are travelling from work or school. 

John Kennedy, Managing Director of KennCo Insurance, said of the news, “While it’s encouraging to see a reduction in road deaths, the fact remains that 174 fatalities is still far too many. The trend of young fatalities is particularly concerning, and it is clear that more targeted efforts are needed to improve road safety among younger drivers. As an insurer, we remain committed to supporting road safety initiatives and offering products that promote safe driving and safer roads for everyone.”

In a statement following the published report, Minister of State with responsibility for Transport James Lawless said that the government will be moving into Phase 2 of its Road Safety Strategy in 2025. 

“The work of my Department is focused on making our roads safer for everyone who uses them. In February 2025 the default speed limit on rural local roads will be reduced, following the recommendation of the 2023 Speed Limit Review. This will tackle one of the biggest contributory factors to road collisions – speed”, the minister said. 

Ireland’s Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 aims to cut deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by 50% by 2030, reducing fatalities to 72 or fewer and serious injuries to 630 or fewer.
This is part of the broader ‘Vision Zero’ goal that aims to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries in Ireland by 2050. Phase 2 of the strategy will be launched in 2025, with the action plan to be formally adopted in early 2025.

About KennCo Insurance
KennCo Insurance, established in 2008, operates as a part of KennCo Underwriting Limited, which has risen to become one of Ireland’s largest underwriting agencies. Proudly based in Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin, we are committed to providing competitively priced insurance policies for car, van, travel and home.

KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.

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New speed limits have been introduced across Ireland as part of efforts to improve road safety. As of today, February 7th, the speed limit on rural local roads has been reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h. 

The changes have been introduced as part of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy which is focused on a 50% reduction to the number of deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by 2030. 

Local, rural roads are marked with an ‘L’ on maps and primarily rural. The changes are not expected to have a minimal impact on traffic and commute times.

However, it is hoped that the changes will help to drastically reduce the number of road accidents and fatalities in rural areas. Almost three in every four road deaths reported between 2020 and 2024 occurred on a rural road with a speed limit of 80km or more.

New signage will be introduced to indicate the updated speed limits, with local authorities responsible for ensuring the changes are clearly communicated to road users. 

Motorists can also expect more changes to Ireland’s speed limits to come into effect later in 2025, with changes planned for urban areas and national secondary roads. 

The speed limit in urban areas, such as housing estates and towns, is set to be reduced from 30km/h from 50km/h. While the speed limit on national secondary roads will also drop from 100km/h to 80km/h later this year.

John Kennedy, Managing Director of KennCo Insurance, stated, “The reduction in speed limits on rural roads is an important step towards improving road safety, particularly in areas where fatalities and serious injury have been most common. The changes are a necessary measure to protect vulnerable road users and reduce the number of accidents. Here at KennCo Insurance, we will continue to support all efforts that make our roads safer for everyone.”

The new speed limits are part of the government’s broader strategy to improve road safety as outlined in the Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 and Vision Zero. These changes are expected to help reduce the number of road accidents and fatalities in rural areas, where most fatalities have historically occurred. The government aims for a 50% reduction in road deaths and serious injuries by 2030, with the speed limit changes supporting this goal.

About KennCo Insurance
KennCo Insurance, established in 2008, operates as a part of KennCo Underwriting Limited, which has risen to become one of Ireland’s largest underwriting agencies. Proudly based in Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin, we are committed to providing competitively priced insurance policies for car, van, travel and home.

KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.