Why do I need car insurance?

Car insurance is both a legal requirement and one of the most important financial protections you can have as a driver in Ireland. Under the Road Traffic Act 1961, anyone driving on a public road must have at least third-party motor insurance. Beyond the legal obligation, a single accident can result in repair bills, medical expenses, or third-party compensation claims running into tens of thousands of euro, and insurance absorbs that risk so you are not facing it alone. Without cover you would be personally liable for any damage or injury you cause, and you would be breaking the law every time you drove.

What is the cheapest type of car insurance in Ireland?

Third-party only is usually the cheapest, but it offers limited protection. Many drivers find third-party fire & theft a better balance of cost and cover.

Can young drivers get affordable cover?

Yes. We work with insurers who specialise in young and learner driver policies, helping to reduce premiums through tailored options.

How does a no-claims bonus work?

For every year you drive without making a claim, you earn a discount on your premium. We can help protect your bonus with full or step-back protection.

How quickly can I get insured with Dickson & Wilson?

Most drivers receive a quote in minutes and can be insured the same day.

What types of car and van insurance cover are available?

There are three main types of motor insurance. Comprehensive covers damage to your own vehicle and third-party claims. Third Party, Fire & Theft covers third-party claims plus loss if your vehicle is stolen or damaged by fire. Third Party Only covers damage you cause to other people or their property and is the minimum legal requirement in Ireland. Choosing the right level depends on your vehicle value, budget, and how much protection you want.

How can I get a same-day insurance quote?

To get a same-day quote, provide your details (vehicle type, usage, driving history) by calling the office. Many insurers return quotes quickly, often within hours. We compare multiple providers to find you the best option fast.

What affects my car or van insurance premium?

Premiums are influenced by your age and driving experience, your no-claims history, the vehicle make, model and engine size, where the vehicle is parked overnight, and your annual mileage and usage (personal or business). We help explain how these factors impact your cost and how you might reduce premiums.

Is van insurance different for business use versus personal use?

Yes. Business use insurance covers activities like deliveries, site visits, or transporting equipment. Personal use is limited to commuting or private travel. It is essential to choose the correct usage type, as incorrect use can invalidate claims.

Can I make changes to my policy mid-term (e.g. add a driver)?

Yes — you can usually update your policy mid-term to add a driver, change usage, or update vehicle details. Contact us and we will advise whether a mid-term adjustment or a new quote is more cost-effective.

What is the difference between buildings and contents insurance?

Building insurance covers the structure of your home (walls, roof, floors). Contents insurance covers your belongings inside the home (furniture, electronics). You can take either separately or as a combined policy for full protection.

Does home insurance cover accidental damage?

Some policies include accidental damage cover, which protects against unforeseen incidents such as spilling paint on carpets. It is optional, so check the policy details or ask us to include it.

Is home insurance legally required in Ireland?

Home insurance is not legally mandated, but if you have a mortgage your lender will require buildings cover. Contents cover is strongly recommended for peace of mind.

What types of travel insurance are available?

Common types include single-trip (covers one trip), annual multi-trip (covers multiple trips over a year), and backpacker cover (longer overseas stays with flexible terms). Choose the type based on your travel frequency and length.

Does travel insurance cover medical emergencies?

Yes — most policies include emergency medical and hospital costs. Always check the maximum cover limit before travelling to avoid unexpected bills.

Can I change or extend my travel insurance after purchase?

Yes, many policies allow extensions or changes such as a longer stay. Contact us before your original policy expires to avoid gaps in cover.

What happens if I cancel my trip?

If you cancel for a covered reason such as health issues or bereavement, you may be eligible for reimbursement of non-refundable costs. Terms vary, so check your policy wording.

What is fleet insurance, and why do I need it?

Fleet insurance covers multiple vehicles under one policy. It simplifies renewal, improves management, and often reduces cost compared with individual policies.

Can I insure mixed fleets of cars and vans under one policy?

Yes, many insurers allow mixed fleets on one policy. We will shop around for competitive pricing and proper classification for each vehicle type.

Are there discounts for insuring multiple vehicles?

Yes — fleet discounts are common and can significantly reduce overall premiums. We help identify the best combination of vehicles to maximise savings.

What types of business insurance cover might I need?

Depending on your business, you might need public liability, employers' liability, professional indemnity, commercial property, business interruption, or legal expenses cover. We will assess your risks and recommend suitable cover.

What is public liability insurance and who needs it?

Public liability protects your business if a third party suffers injury or property damage due to your business activities. It is essential for customer-facing businesses, tradespeople, and events.

What does employers' liability insurance cover?

This covers employee injury or illness claims related to work. It is legally required if you employ staff.

What is product liability insurance?

Product liability protects your business if a customer is harmed by a product you supply or manufacture. This is important for retailers, manufacturers, and distributors.

Property Insurance

Property insurance built around your property.

Dickson & Wilson Insurance Brokers NI

What Can Affect Your Property Owners’ Insurance Premium?

Every property is different, and several factors can influence the cost of your property owners’ insurance. Insurers assess the risks associated with your property, its location, how it is used, and the level of cover you require when calculating your premium.

Property Location:

The location of your property can affect your premium. Insurers may consider the risk of flooding, subsidence, crime, vandalism, and other local hazards.

Property Type and Construction:

The age, size, construction materials, roof type, and overall condition of your property can influence the cost of insurance. Non-standard construction or listed buildings may require specialist cover.

Rebuild Value:

The estimated cost of rebuilding your property following a major insured event is an important factor in calculating buildings insurance premiums. This is different from the property’s market value.

Occupancy and Use:

Whether your property is occupied by tenants, used for commercial purposes, occupied by you, or left unoccupied can affect the risks an insurer considers.

Claims History:

Previous insurance claims, including their frequency and nature, may influence the premium offered by an insurer.

Tenants and Rental Arrangements:

The type of tenants, tenancy arrangements, and how the property is managed may influence the insurer’s assessment of risk. Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and properties with certain occupancy arrangements may require specialist insurance.

Liability and Loss of Rent Cover:

The level of property owners’ liability cover and any protection for lost rental income can affect the premium, depending on the policy and benefits selected.

Home Insurance Extras

Extras That Strengthen Your Home Cover

Optional add ons allow home insurance to be tailored to how you live. Our brokers will explain which extras are worth considering based on your property and budget.

Rent Guarantee Insurance

Helps protect landlords against rental income lost when a tenant fails to pay rent. Depending on the policy, it may also cover legal costs associated with recovering rent arrears and regaining possession of the property.

Legal Expenses Cover

Can help pay legal costs for specified property-related disputes, including tenancy disagreements, rent recovery, repossession proceedings and disputes over property ownership or damage.

Accidental Damage Cover

Provides additional protection against certain unforeseen accidents that damage the building or landlord-owned contents, such as accidentally breaking a fixture or damaging a fitted surface.

It is worth checking whether accidental damage is already included in your policy.

Landlord's Contents Cover

Protects eligible items belonging to the property owner, such as furniture, carpets, curtains, white goods and appliances. This can be particularly useful for furnished or part-furnished rental properties.

It generally does not insure tenants’ personal belongings.

Landlord Home Emergency Cover

Can provide access to emergency assistance for certain urgent problems, such as a boiler breakdown, burst pipe, blocked drain or loss of essential services, depending on the policy.

Check the call-out limits, exclusions and whether replacement parts are included.

Extended Loss of Rent Cover

Can protect rental income if an insured event, such as a fire or serious escape of water, makes the property uninhabitable. You may be able to select a longer indemnity period to allow sufficient time for repairs.

Experienced Insurance Brokers

Why Choose Dickson & Wilson Insurance Brokers NI for Property Insurance?

Your property is a valuable investment, and protecting it with the right insurance is essential. At Dickson & Wilson Insurance Brokers NI, we provide independent advice and a personal service to help landlords and property owners find insurance cover suited to their properties, tenants and individual requirements.

Whether you own a single rental property, a portfolio of residential properties or a commercial premises, our team can help you explore your options and understand the protection available.

Arranging Property Owners Insurance should be straightforward and stress-free. Our dedicated team will guide you through the available options, explain the cover clearly and help you identify any additional protection you may need.

Whether you are a first-time landlord or an experienced property investor, Dickson & Wilson Insurance Brokers NI is here to help you find suitable insurance solutions, giving you greater confidence in protecting your property investment.

Home Insurance Topics

Home Insurance FAQs

What is Property Owners Insurance?

Property Owners Insurance is designed to protect landlords and property investors against certain risks associated with owning residential or commercial properties. Depending on the policy, it can cover damage to the building, property owners’ liability and loss of rental income following insured damage. The protection provided will depend on the insurer and the policy selected.

Do I need Property Owners Insurance if I rent out my property?

If you rent out a property, it is important to consider insurance specifically designed for landlords. Standard owner-occupier home insurance may not provide appropriate cover for a rented property. Although buildings insurance is not universally a legal requirement for landlords, mortgage lenders may require it, and suitable insurance can help protect your investment against significant financial losses.

What does Property Owners Insurance cover?

Cover varies by insurer but may include:

· Buildings damage caused by insured events, such as fire, storms or escape of water.

· Property owners’ liability for certain claims involving injury or damage to third-party property.

· Loss of rental income following insured damage that makes the property uninhabitable, where included.

· Landlord-owned contents, fixtures and fittings, if insured

Can I insure more than one rental property under one policy?

Yes, some insurers offer policies designed for landlords with multiple properties or property portfolios. Depending on the insurer, you may be able to insure several properties under a single arrangement. Eligibility, discounts, policy limits and terms will vary, so it is worth comparing portfolio cover with separate policies.