Motor Insurance Companies Ireland: Choose Your Right Policy
Getting the right motorcycle insurance in Ireland doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether riding a 50cc scooter through Dublin or a classic BMW through the countryside, having proper cover protects both rider and machine.
This guide breaks down the main providers and offers practical tips for finding the best deal.
Principal Insurance, now part of Howden, has been arranging motorcycle insurance for Irish riders since 2015, covering everything from 50cc scooters and mopeds to classics and modern bikes.
The company insures around 30% of Irish bikers and has grown to cover approximately 10% of all road-registered motorcycles in Ireland.
What makes them stand out is their personalized approach. Their Dublin-based team takes time to listen and understand individual needs, without call length targets.
Specialist schemes exist for riders with motoring convictions, imported Chinese motorcycles, and those returning to biking after years away.
Discounts are available for owner’s club membership, approved security, and advanced riding qualifications.
The company has deep roots in the Irish motorcycling community. Principal sponsors the Masters Superbike Championship and supports events like Ireland Bike Fest Killarney and the VJMC Classic Motorcycle Show.
AXA offers two motorcycle insurance plans tailored to different rider profiles.
- Bikecare is suited to smaller engines and entry-level machines.
- Easirider is available for riders aged 25–70 with a full Class A licence and at least two years of No Claims Bonus.
The Easirider plan offers additional benefits including replacement of helmets and safety apparel up to €600 if damaged in a collision, and the option to drive other bikes you don’t own (providing they’re insured).
If a bike is stolen or repair costs exceed 60% of its value, AXA replaces it with a new motorcycle when it is under 12 months old.
Both plans include 24-hour motorcycle breakdown assistance in the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), with cover also extending to the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and most of mainland Europe.
AXA actively promotes accredited rider-skills training and rewards riders who complete recognised courses.
Carole Nash has been providing motorcycle insurance in Ireland since 1999, with their arrival famously marked by Ronan Keating on his Harley-Davidson at their Dublin office opening.
They’ve grown rapidly to become Ireland’s leading bike insurance specialist, insuring tens of thousands of modern, classic, vintage, and custom motorcycles.
Every classic bike policy includes free agreed value coverage, meaning no haggling in the event of a loss – the insurer guarantees to pay the agreed value.
Standard policies include €130,000 of motor legal expenses to recover costs like loss of earnings, travel costs, and personal injury expenses following a non-fault claim.
Irish and European breakdown and accident recovery with homestart comes as standard.
Optional extras include helmet and leathers cover (€59 per year, up to €1,500) and personal accident cover (€41 per year, up to €27,950).
Multi-bike policies allow riders to insure several motorcycles under one premium and renewal date. All policies include Carole Nash DNA+ forensic protection worth €35, providing an additional theft-deterrent layer.
BMW Motorrad Insurance is arranged and administered by Carole Nash Insurance Consultants (Ireland) DAC, trading as BMW Motorrad Insurance Solutions (Ireland).
This specialized service focuses exclusively on BMW motorcycle owners.
They offer multi-bike cover under a single premium and renewal date, with the added expertise of a provider that understands BMW models and their typical rider profiles.
Standard Carole Nash benefits apply, combined with BMW-focused support.
AbbeyAutoline is Northern Ireland’s largest insurance broker with over 50 years of experience and approximately 430 staff across 15 branches throughout Northern Ireland.
While UK-based, their breakdown assistance covers Northern Ireland, Great Britain, and the Republic of Ireland.
AbbeyAutoline works as a broker, comparing options from their panel of UK and Irish insurers to find suitable cover.
They offer multi-bike insurance policies where more than one bike can be insured on a single policy with individual mileage allowances for each motorcycle.
Optional extras include KeyCare cover for lost, damaged, or stolen keys with 24-hour emergency helpline and locksmith charges up to £50, excess protection that reimburses the excess paid following a claim, and European cover from £54.
Tips for Choosing the Right Irish Motor Insurance
- Compare quotes: Use a comparison site like Switcher.ie or Paddy Compare to get multiple quotes.
- Specialised needs: If you have a custom / classic / multiple bikes, brokers like Principal or Carole Nash often deliver better value and tailored policies.
- Extras: Check for add-ons like helmet and leathers, legal protection, EU travel, and breakdown recovery.
- No-Claims Bonus (NCB): Check how each insurer handles NCB, and whether they accept previous NCB from other insurers.
- Security: Use approved security measures (e.g., alarms, locks) — many insurers give discounts.
Check out Naked or Full-Fairing Motorcycles? What to Pick for Ireland’s Roads
Final Thoughts
Finding motorcycle insurance in Ireland comes down to understanding individual needs and shopping around.
Whether riding a daily commuter, weekend classic, or high-performance sports bike, providers offer specialized coverage for different riding styles.
Start by gathering quotes from multiple providers. Pay attention not just to price but to coverage levels, extras included, and customer service reputation.
The relationship with an insurer can last years, so choose a provider that understands motorcyclists and treats riders fairly.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions about coverage limits, excess amounts, and claim procedures before committing. Take time to read policy documents and understand exactly what’s covered.
Stay safe on Irish roads and ride with confidence knowing proper protection is in place.
Help fellow motorcyclists make the right choices. Share your opinions and experiences on various topics through our forum.
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