Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
357. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he has examined a proposal by an organisation (details supplied) for a continuous vehicle coverage model of car insurance enforcement; is his Department is considering introducing this model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30016/26]
View answerMy officials have been briefed by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) on its proposals in relation to continuous vehicle cover.
The Department is happy to consider continuous vehicle cover as an avenue to further reducing uninsured driving. However, since late 2023, Gardai have had roadside access to a driver’s insurance details via the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID) and are now able to detect and prosecute motor insurance offences quickly and efficiently without having to inspect individual insurance discs.
The IMID has proved to be a very effective tool for An Garda Síochána against uninsured driving and in efforts to enhance road safety. As a result, the Department’s priorities for 2026 in this area include removing the legal requirement to display an insurance disc and ensuring ongoing compliance with EU motor insurance legislation.
The Department will, however, continue to engage with MIBI on the issue of continuous vehicle cover and consider the issue in the context of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2025-2029.
