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.

Mobile Home Insurance in Northern Ireland: What It Covers and Who Needs It

If you own a static caravan, holiday lodge, or park home in Northern Ireland, you might assume it’s covered by your regular home insurance policy. It isn’t. Mobile homes are built and sited differently to bricks-and-mortar houses, which means they carry different risks, and need a different type of policy. This guide explains exactly what mobile home insurance in Northern Ireland covers, who needs it, and how to make sure you’re not left exposed.

What Is Mobile Home Insurance?

Mobile home insurance is a specialist policy designed to protect static caravans, park homes, and holiday lodges that are permanently sited, as opposed to touring caravans, which are towed on the road. Because your mobile home stays in one place, usually on a caravan park or private site, this type of policy is often described as “static” cover rather than “touring” cover.

It’s important not to confuse the two:

Mobile home / static caravan insurance — covers a unit that stays on-site year-round or seasonally

Touring caravan insurance — covers a caravan that’s towed behind a vehicle and includes cover for transit, road risk, and towing accidents

If you only ever tow your caravan to a site once and leave it there, static mobile home cover is what you need.

Is Mobile Home Insurance a Legal Requirement in Northern Ireland?

No, mobile home insurance is not a legal requirement in Northern Ireland. However, it’s strongly recommended, and many caravan parks and holiday sites will require proof of insurance as a condition of your site licence or pitch agreement. Given how much mobile homes and lodges can vary in value, going without cover is a significant financial risk.

What Does Mobile Home Insurance Cover?

While cover varies by insurer and policy level, a typical mobile home insurance policy in Northern Ireland includes protection against:

Fire — damage caused by fire, including costs for fire brigade call-outs

Theft and attempted theft — including forced entry and vandalism

Storm and flood damage — particularly relevant given many mobile homes in Northern Ireland are sited in coastal locations or around Fermanagh’s lakelands

Accidental damage — cover for unexpected damage to the structure

Escape of water — including burst pipes caused by freezing conditions over winter

Contents cover — for furniture, appliances, and personal belongings kept in the unit

Fixtures and fittings — decking, verandas, sheds, gas cylinders, aerials, and satellite dishes

Public liability cover — protection if a visitor or guest is injured on your property, with generous limits typically available

Alternative accommodation costs — if your mobile home becomes uninhabitable during a holiday period due to an insured event

Removal and repair transport costs — the cost of transporting your unit to a repairer if it can’t be fixed on-site

Some insurers also offer new-for-old replacement, meaning if your mobile home is destroyed or stolen, you receive the cost of a brand-new equivalent rather than just its depreciated market value. This is worth checking carefully, as it can make a significant difference to a claim payout.

What’s Usually Excluded from Mobile Home Insurance?

Standard policies typically won’t cover:

Short-term rental or Airbnb-style lettings — if you let your mobile home out for payment, you’ll usually need to declare this and may require additional cover, including public liability for paying guests

Damage from long-term unoccupancy — many policies have restrictions or excess variations if the unit is left empty for more than seven consecutive days

Frost damage from an undrained water system — most policies expect you to drain the water system over winter (typically between October and March); failing to do so can invalidate a claim

Negligence — for example, leaving the mobile home unlocked or failing to take reasonable security precautions

Who Needs Mobile Home Insurance?

Mobile home insurance is worth considering if you own:

A static caravan on a holiday park in Northern Ireland

A park home or modular home used as a holiday retreat

A holiday lodge sited on private land or a residential park

A mobile home you occasionally let out to family, friends, or paying guests

If you’re planning to rent your mobile home out on a regular basis, it’s worth speaking to a broker directly, as this changes your risk profile and the type of cover you’ll need.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Mobile Home Insurance

Several factors influence your premium, including:

The age, make, and model of your mobile home

Its location — coastal and low-lying sites carry higher flood risk

The value of the structure and its contents

Security features in place, such as alarms, ground anchors, or secure storage

Your claims history

Whether the unit is occupied seasonally or year-round

Improving security, for example, installing an alarm, ground anchors, or additional locks, can help reduce your premium, as can choosing a pitch on higher ground where flood risk is lower.

How Dickson & Wilson Insurance Brokers NI Can Help

Every mobile home is different, and so is every owner’s situation, whether you’re insuring a holiday retreat near Fermanagh’s lakelands, a static caravan near the coast, or a park home you occasionally rent out. As an independent broker, we compare cover across a panel of insurers to find a policy that matches how you actually use your mobile home, rather than a one-size-fits-all package.

Get in touch with our team today for a mobile home insurance quote tailored to your needs.

Get a Mobile Home Insurance Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mobile home insurance the same as caravan insurance? Not quite. Mobile home insurance covers static units that stay in one location, while caravan insurance for touring caravans also includes cover for towing and road transit.

Can I use my regular home insurance for a mobile home? No. Mobile homes are constructed differently to standard houses, so a standard home insurance policy won’t provide adequate cover. You need a specialist mobile home or static caravan policy.

Do I need public liability cover for my mobile home? It’s highly recommended, particularly if friends, family, or paying guests use the property. Public liability cover protects you if someone is injured while staying at your mobile home.

What happens if I don’t drain my water system over winter? If your mobile home is left unoccupied and the water system isn’t drained, any resulting frost or burst pipe damage may not be covered, as most policies require this as a condition of cover.

Does mobile home insurance cover Airbnb-style rentals? Not under a standard policy. If you plan to let your mobile home out for payment, you’ll need to inform your insurer and may require additional cover.

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