What car insurance covers
While Car Insurance covers several different things, the most important is the liability cover to third parties
and property owned by third parties. If you have an accident while driving, and you injure someone or damage someone’s
property, the injury or damage is covered by your insurance company. You are also covered for any dispute that may arise
over liability or any dispute regarding who is at fault. Let’s say that while you are driving, you see a dog walking in the road.
You swerve off the road and crash into a boundary wall. The property owner of the boundary wall may hold you responsible, and try
to make you pay for repairing the damage to his wall. You may feel that the real person liable or responsible for this damage
is the dog’s owner – because he failed to keep the animal under control.
Whether or not you are covered for the damage to your own vehicle depends on the type of policy you have. If you have a comprehensive
car insurance policy, your insurance company will cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle.
In the event that you are involved in an accident, we strongly recommend that you give us a call in addition to notifying your
insurance company. Why? Because we can give you valuable advice on how best to go about making your insurance claim. For example,
if your car has not sustained much damage, and if your policy does not protect your no claims bonus, we may advise you not to make
a claim on your policy.
What car insurance doesn't cover
Car Insurance Polices do not cover wear and tear to your vehicle, nor do they cover the maintenance of your vehicle. In most instances,
you are also not covered for theft of your belongings in your car, even if the items are out of sight and in the boot.
A Choice of Three Types of Car Insurance
Finding the right Car Insurance Policy can be a minefield. Our job is to help you choose which policy is best for you. Here are the three
different types of insurance policies available in Ireland:
TPO (Third Party Only), which is the minimum amount of cover you need to operate a vehicle.
TPF&T (Third Party Fire & Theft), which includes damage or loss to your vehicle if the vehicle is stolen. TPT&T also covers you for damage
caused by an attempted theft, or if your vehicle catches fire.
Comprehensive Insurance. This is by far the most popular type of cover in Ireland. It includes TP, F&T cover plus accidental damage to your vehicle and to your windscreen..
Comprehensive Insurance can even protect your no claims bonus.