Who Pays for Fire Brigade Charges After a Car Accident?

If you are involved in a road traffic accident or a car accident it’s likely that emergency services may be called to the scene. In Ireland, when the fire brigade receives a call out to an incident, there is usually a charge for the service they provide. And, while these charges play an important role in helping to fund the cost of the fire service, they can be hefty. Leaving many Irish motorists wondering who picks up the bill – you or your car insurance?

Fire Brigade Call Out Charges

Fire brigades and local authorities across the country apply a charge for attending domestic and commercial incidents under the Fire Services Act 1981.  This fee covers the operational cost of responding to an emergency. Charges are normally set by each local authority or county council and can vary based on the type of incident.

For road traffic accidents, charges are normally sent directly to the owner of the vehicle involved. In cases where multiple vehicles might be involved, each owner may receive an individual charge from the relevant fire authorities or local council.

Does My Car Insurance Cover Fire Brigade Charges

Typically, most comprehensive motor insurance policies will provide cover for fire brigade charges, but conditions or limits may apply so it’s always best to contact your insurer. 

Under KennCo comprehensive car policies, we will contribute up to €385 towards any charges levied by a fire authority in line with the Fire Services Act 1981, provided they arise from a valid claim caused by an incident that is covered under your insurance policy. 

If fire brigade call out charges are levied as a result of a collision with another vehicle or because your car suffered damage from an impact, you must have the appropriate level of cover in place for this benefit to apply.  

What to Do If You Receive a Fire Brigade Charge

If you receive an invoice from a local fire authority following an accident, contact us as soon as possible and provide full details of the incident. Do not ignore the bill, as local authorities can pursue unpaid fees. Our claims team will advise you on how your claim should be handled  so it can be processed up to the policy limit.