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Car Insurance Insurance

How to save money on your car insurance

Ireland is an expensive place to buy car insurance, with the typical driver paying €1067 according to the Irish Sun in November 2018; more expensive than UK counterparts. So it’s even more important to do all you can to save money on your premium. Paddy Compare investigates how.

1. Shop around at renewal

One of the largest savings available is simply by comparing prices at renewal time. Even if you don’t want to switch company, asking around for other quotes may help negotiate a better deal with your current insurance broker. Ensure you are comparing like-for-like in terms of the cover provided, and that your excess amounts are the same. Paddy Compare can help you do this with one simple quote form.

2. Make use of NCD and named driving experience

Some customers simply forget how many years no claims bonus they have, particularly if they have been off the road for a while or if they are switching insurance broker. Insurers use NCD evidence as a ‘report’ of your driving experience – if you’ve been a safe driver you will be awarded with lower premiums. Remember to tell your broker about any named driving experience, company car driving experience, or experience driving abroad. All of these may be used to help reduce your premiums.

3. Increase your excess

The excess is the amount you must pay to your insurance company in the event of you making a claim, to cover the costs of repair to your vehicle or for medical treatment. If you can afford to increase this, the insurance company will see you as less risk, and reward this with lower insurance premiums. However you must be able to pay the excess or risk being left without a vehicle if you happen to be involved in an accident. You don’t have to pay an excess if a third party is claiming against you, so this only applies to Comprehensive, Fire and Theft Claims.

4. Reduce your cover

If your car has seen better days and is destined for the scrap heap shortly, then do you really need fully comprehensive insurance? Your car may not be worth much, and it may be worth reducing your cover to insure against Third Party claims only. Always investigate both options, as sometimes comprehensive cover can cost less than third party only.

5. Add a named driver

Particularly if you are a less experienced driver, adding a more-experienced friend or family member to your policy can often reduce your premiums. This person does not have to be a regular driver if your vehicle but the fact that they are named may be seen as a positive by your insurer. Try getting quotes for one or two additional drivers and see how this affects the costs. This has a further advantage in that you can share the driving on long journeys; resulting in a safer and more pleasurable driving experience for everyone.

6. Check your occupation

Different occupations are seen as different risks, however many people undertake a job that could be described in many different ways. Are you an Engineer who manages construction projects? Try receiving a quote for an Engineer or a Project Manager. Are you in the medical profession? Instead of Nurse perhaps try Paramedic or Care Assistant. Are you at IT consultant? Try Data Processor or Computer Engineer instead. Are you a Civil Servant? Try using that rather than your specific title. Of course, remember that any job title you do use must be applicable to the role that you do, or your insurance may be invalid. The Money Saving Expert tool will help you explore different options for your occupation.

7. Get quotes at different times of the year

Insurance underwriting companies will publish new rates to their insurance brokers on a regular basis, often every month. If your insurance policy is due in the middle of July for example, try getting a quote towards the end of June, and then again at the beginning of July. Your first quote will usually remain valid for 30 days, so you can then chose the cheaper policy and buy that one.

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Insurance Static Caravan Insurance

Static Caravan Insurance at Paddy Compare

Now that the summer is well and truly upon us, despite that the weather may suggest otherwise, many of our readers are likely making the most of the holiday period to visit their mobile home.

Static caravan insurance is not usually mandatory (although it may be part of the terms and conditions on your site), but it can provide peace of mind against fire, flood and accidental damage. If you rent your caravan out to others, you may also require public liability insurance in case one of your guests is injured.

Paddy Compare is pleased to now be offering static caravan insurance from local insurance brokers. See if you can beat the price offered through your caravan site, or from your existing provider. Try Paddy Compare today for a cheap quote.

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Insurance

Happy New Year from Paddy Compare

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Car Insurance Farm Insurance Health Insurance Home Insurance Landlord Insurance Life Insurance Motorbike Insurance Salon insurance Tradesman Insurance Truck Insurance Van Insurance

Happy Christmas from Paddy Compare

As 2018 draws to a close, Paddy Compare would like to wish all our customers a great Christmas and Happy New Year. We would also like to thank all of our insurance brokers for their great service throughout the year, and look forward to a happy and successful 2019.

2019 is set to be an interesting year with the impending Brexit, further advances in mobile technology and positivity in the construction sector.

In his 2019 Budget, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe referred to the country as “a modern and caring Ireland that aims to be at the centre of a changing world.”

We look forward to the challenges ahead. Cheers!

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Insurance

4 months since Donegal floods

The past four months have been a stressful time for Donegal residents following efforts to restore homes after devastating floods in August.

63% of the average monthly rain fell in just nine hours in Inishowen, destroying bridges, vehicles, business and homes. Residents have been rebuilding their livelihoods following negotiations with insurance companies, and where complete re-builds have been required, seeking planning permission also.

Insurance can be a stressful matter, but when it comes to property, the most important thing is to have adequate cover for your buildings and contents, so that in the event of flooding or other event, you are covered.

Buildings insurance will cover the structure of your home in the event of fire, flood, subsidence, theft and falling trees. Contents insurance will protect your belongings against theft, fire and flooding. The average family of four will have contents of approximately €30,000 in value.

Paddy Compare works with a number of insurance companies to help you seek the best deal for your insurance. Simply complete the home insurance form and leave it to our specialist brokers to advise you on your requirements.

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Insurance

House prices rally outside Dublin, with more modest gains in the capital

Recent figures from the Central Statistics Office show that whilst Dublin house prices rose during 2016, the majority of the gains were outside the capital.

2016 Property Prices (Central Statistics Office)

Across the country, home-owners saw an average increase of 8.1%. Unlike in previous years, Dublin properties did not see the bulk of these increases, with a rise of just 5.8%.

Outside of Dublin, there were gains of 12.1%, but the best of these gains were in the West of the country, with house prices rising 17.8%.

Whilst strong gains are being made, property prices are still 32.1% lower than the peaks seen in 2007, opening up opportunities for first-time buyers to purchase their first home, and for existing home-owners to be able to climb the ladder, particularly those who are deciding to move outside the capital.

Home insurance and landlord insurance are an important consideration for home-owners. Paddy Compare works with a range of insurers across Ireland and can help you achieve the best deal. Try us today to see how much you can save!

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Insurance

Opinions on Brexit – how will it affect you and your business insurance?

Opinions on how Brexit will affect Ireland have been wide ranging, and there is no clear cut answer on the advantages or pitfalls for the country. Here is a selection of recent views:

“Brexit will destroy Good Friday agreement”

Gerry Adams has claimed that since Brexit looks to end the jurisdiction of the European court, the human rights afforded as part of the Good Friday agreement may be undermined.

“My business lost 20% of revenue overnight”

As the pound slumped following the UK’s decision to leave the EU, Athlone mushroom farmer Gerry Reilly hopes that Brexit won’t deal a further blow to his business, with the UK purchasing 50 lorry loads of mushrooms every day from Ireland.

“There will be opportunities and Irish companies need to be at the forefront of them”

The Irish Examiner reports that Ireland may become an excellent opportunity for UK companies to continue to trade with mainland Europe, with the country acting as a spring board into the continent, for example, UK engineered products could be finished off in Ireland before being sold onto France and beyond.

– – –

Brexit may mean a change in the nature of your business, and it is vital that your business insurance is adequate for your turnover and type of trade. Paddy Compare can help you save on your liability insurance and tradesman insurance, wherever in the country you operate.

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Insurance

2016 in Review

2016 has been an excellent year for Paddy Compare. We have helped thousands of Irish customers save money on their insurance and we are working with more brokers than ever, all of whom are growing their customer base daily.

2016 was an interesting year for Ireland in General – here’s a quick summary:

January

Storm Desmond and Storm Frank battered the country over Christmas and the New Year, damaging homes, farms and businesses. The Cabinet agreed to replace fodder at the market rate, and also promised €10m for Local Authorities to aid with the clean-up operation.

February

The 2016 election takes place. Over 3.22 million people are eligible to vote. More than 550 candidates contest for 157 Dáil seats and 65.1% of the people turn out to vote.

March

Tens of thousands of people turn out in Dublin on Easter Sunday for the official State commemoration to celebrate 100 years since the Easter Rising – the largest public spectacle in the history of the State.

April

Forms arrive in the post for the 2016 census. Preliminary results indicated that the population grew by 3.7% in 2016, to 4.76m.

May

Enda Kenny is elected Taoiseach on May 6th, 70 days after the general election.

June

The Republic of Ireland face Sweden in their first match of the 2016 UEFA European Championships. The game ends in a 1-1 draw but unfortunately that wasn’t enough to see Ireland progress to the knock-out stages.

July

Twenty-two members of a Dublin Bus syndicate win the EuroMillions jackpot – €1,083,866.36 each.

August

The O’Donovan brothers from Cork become internet sensations as they win silver medals in the lightweight men’s double sculls at the Rio Olympics. The pair, who train at Skibbereen Rowing Club “pulled like a dog” to come in second, just behind the French winners.

September

41-year-old mother of two, Caitríona Lucas, attached to the Doolin Coast Guard unit was on board Kilkee Coast Guard’s rigid inflatable boat (RIB) during a search for missing Clare teacher David McMahon. Caitríona lost her life when the lifeboat capsized in rough seas on September 12th.

October

Munster Rugby players and fans are devastated by the sudden death of head coach, Anthony Foley. Anthony was just 42 and died overnight in Paris on 16th October and was described as one of Munster’s ‘all time greats’.

November

Worldwide news is swamped with the shock US Election result, as Donald Trump defeats Hilary Clinton. In Ireland, almost 60% of secondary schools close as members of the Association of Secondary School Teachers in Ireland pull out of the supervision of students during break times.

December

The cabinet proposes to limit landlords to increasing rent in Dublin and Cork by 4% each year over the next 3 years. In an attempt to reduce homelessness, Minister for Housing Simon Coveney is to announce a series of measures targeting the private rental sector.

2017?

2016 has been an interesting year, how will 2017 fare?

Happy New Year to all customers, from the staff at Paddy Compare!

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Insurance

Horsebox Insurance from Paddy Compare

Paddy Compare are pleased to announce an addition our our extensive product range. We are now offering a service for horsebox and horse lorry insurance in Ireland.

Owning a horse can be an expensive hobby. Feeding, vet bills, cleaning and exercise make up the majority of the costs, but transport can be an important consideration if you are showing, racing or moving your horses. Therefore, insurance for your vehicle is vital.

Horsebox insurance from Paddy Compare, for all your comparison needs!

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Insurance

Irish Motorcycle Road Racing 2016 Calendar

Paddy Compare has produced a guide to this year’s racing calendar. With an interactive map, and links to each of the event websites, you can find out about the riders, results, how to get there and where to stand during the races.

Click the following link for more: Irish Road Racing Calendar