Insurance Coverage

Wednesday, 26 November 2025

Ceisteanna (108)

Albert Dolan

Ceist:

108. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport the steps his Department is taking to address the difficulties faced by Irish citizens living in the UK who, due to post-Brexit insurance restrictions, are no longer able to be insured as named drivers on Irish-registered vehicles when they hold a UK driving licence; if he is aware of the significant impact this is having on those returning regularly to Ireland to care for elderly parents or maintain family homes; if he will outline whether discussions have taken place with insurance providers, the Department of Finance, or with UK authorities regarding potential solutions or mitigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66393/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As Minister of State with responsibility for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to clarify that there is nothing in Irish road traffic legislation that prevents the holder of a foreign driver licence from obtaining motor insurance in this country, subject to compliance with existing residency and licensing rules.

In practice, however, the provision of insurance cover is an entirely commercial matter for insurance companies and is based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept and adequate provisioning to meet those risks. These are considered by insurance companies on a case by case basis.

When it comes to the insurance industry's approach to insuring drivers with a UK licence, Insurance Ireland, the industry body for insurers in Ireland, has previously confirmed that motor insurance policies will generally cover anyone who holds (and is not disqualified from holding) a licence to drive the vehicle in question, regardless of whether it is an Irish or British licence. Insurers will generally take their cue from existing road traffic legislation in respect of normal residency rules.

The Deputy may wish to advise his constituent to avail of Insurance Ireland's free information service for those who have complaints or difficulties in purchasing insurance. Insurance Ireland can be contacted by phone at (01) 6761820 or by email at declined@insuranceireland.eu.