Revealed: Counties In Ireland With The Most Expensive Car Insurance

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.