Understanding Non-Standard Car Insurance

When it comes to motor insurance in Ireland, people are most familiar with standard policies that cover the majority of drivers.  However, there is a growing number of drivers with more specific needs—this is where non-standard motor insurance comes into play.

Non-standard car insurance is tailored to drivers who don’t fit the typical picture of an insurance provider’s ideal customer. It’s designed to provide coverage for those who, for various reasons, may find it more difficult to obtain standard insurance policies. But what exactly does this mean, and who needs it?

Let’s dive into the basics of non-standard motor insurance in Ireland.

Non-standard car insurance refers to policies designed for drivers who present a higher risk to insurance companies, or who may have unique circumstances that make it harder for them to find traditional insurance options. This includes individuals with a history of accidents, younger or older drivers, drivers with convictions, or those driving modified or high-performance vehicles.

Essentially, if you’ve had problems getting a standard insurance policy non-standard motor insurance offers an alternative pathway for you. Unfortunately, the premiums might be higher compared to standard policies, but they still provide the necessary coverage required by law and can help protect you -and your finances- in the event of an accident.

There are a variety of drivers who might find themselves in need of non-standard motor insurance in Ireland:

Drivers under the age of 25 often face higher insurance premiums due to their perceived inexperience on the road. Non-standard insurers may offer policies that cater to this younger demographic, though the premiums can still be steep. Young drivers can really benefit from weighing up their options. Which we’ve talked about before.

If you have a history of accidents, claims, or driving convictions (e.g., speeding), your insurance premiums may be significantly higher and standard policies may not be available to you at all. Non-standard insurance can offer coverage to you, although at a higher cost due to the increased risk.

If you own a modified or high-performance vehicle, your standard motor insurer might not provide coverage for the modifications or could simply refuse to insure the car altogether. These vehicles pose significant increased risk for insurance companies, either due to an increased risk of theft, or due to the increased difficulty and expense of repairs. Non-standard insurance underwriters specialize in covering modified vehicles, including those with upgraded engines, custom paint jobs, or altered exhaust systems.

Older drivers (especially those above 70) might struggle to find affordable insurance. Non-standard policies can provide coverage for this age group, although rates may be higher due to perceived risks related to aging.

People who have recently moved to Ireland and are new to the Irish roads may also find themselves in need of non-standard insurance. They might not have the required driving history or experience in Ireland, which can make traditional insurers hesitant to cover them. If you have a non-Irish license non-standard insurance will allow you to get on the road safely and legally.

While non-standard insurance is designed for high-risk or unique situations, the structure of the policy generally remains similar to standard insurance. Here are some of the key features you can expect:

Non-standard policies are often more flexible and can be tailored to meet your specific needs, vehicle, and circumstances. For example, you may be able to add coverage for specific modifications or unusual driving conditions.

Since these policies are intended for higher-risk drivers, the premiums are often significantly higher compared to standard insurance policies. The risk factors that insurers consider (age, driving record, vehicle type, etc.) will influence how much you pay. This is an unfortunate fact of needing non-standard insurance that you need to be prepared for.

While non-standard insurance covers the essential aspects of driving (liability, personal injury, and damage to your vehicle), the benefits may be more limited compared to a standard comprehensive policy. For example, you may face restrictions on things like claims for vehicle repairs or towing. You may also face restrictions on the storage of your vehicle if it is particularly high value.

Not all insurance providers offer non-standard policies, so your choice of insurer may be more limited than with standard policies. However, there are some specialist providers in the market that focus solely on high-risk or non-standard drivers. We work from a panel of underwriters which offer both standard and non-standard policies.

We know that for the most part this isn’t what you want to hear when it comes to your insurance. But it is important to understand the downsides that come with Non-Standard Motor Insurance. This will help you to find the best deal available to you.

If you think you might need non-standard motor insurance, the process is similar to obtaining standard coverage, but with a few additional steps. Here’s how you can go about it:

Just as with standard insurance, it’s important to shop around and compare quotes from different providers. Non-standard motor insurance may vary significantly in cost depending on the insurer, so it’s wise to check several options before deciding.

Always provide full and accurate information to your insurer. This includes details about any previous accidents, driving offences, vehicle modifications, and other factors that could affect the terms of your policy. Failing to disclose information can invalidate your policy. Which means you gave your insurer money for nothing.

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of your driving history, medical records (for older drivers), or photos of vehicle modifications. This will help the insurer assess your level of risk. Having this ready will make the whole process easier. Remember that insurance companies are taking a calculated risk with their product. If they can’t accurately calculate the risk then they err on the side of higher risk.

Non-standard motor insurance can sometimes come with more restrictive terms, so make sure you read the fine print and understand what’s covered and what isn’t. Pay attention to excess levels, exclusions, and any special conditions. It’s natural to jump straight to the cost of the premium but if that policy has inferior coverage it might cost more in the long run.

Or you can cut out a lot of the leg work on your end by working with Peopl. We’re here to make car insurance simple for you.  Non-standard policies are inherently more complicated than standard insurance, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rely on us. Whether you’re looking for standard or non-standard insurance we’ll get you the best deal every year.

Non-standard motor insurance in Ireland is a crucial option for drivers who find it difficult to get standard insurance coverage due to their unique circumstances. While it may come at a higher cost, it ensures that high-risk drivers can still meet legal requirements and stay protected on the road.

Before committing to any policy, make sure to explore all your options and ensure the coverage aligns with your needs. Always keep in mind that driving without insurance is illegal in Ireland, so finding the right policy -standard or non-standard- is essential for your safety, your wallet, and the law.