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Finding car insurance in Northern Ireland is not difficult. If you are in Belfast, Enniskillen, or near the Republic of Ireland, you can find good insurance providers that offer competitive rates. You can compare options such as learner driver insurance and telematics insurance for younger drivers. This can help reduce the cost of your insurance premium.

What’s the Average Cost of Car Insurance in Northern Ireland?

Car insurance in Northern Ireland costs less than in many parts of the UK. This is the case even when living close to the border with the Republic of Ireland brings some challenges. Motorists in Northern Ireland often have lower claim rates than those in England and Wales.

Northern Ireland includes postcodes from BT1 to BT94. The average cost for insurance in this region is £671. This is lower than the UK national average, which is £834.

Factor Northern Ireland Avg UK National Avg
Annual Premium £671 £834
Monthly Payments £56/month £69.50/month
Young Driver (age 20) £1,748 £2,000
Over 50s Driver £517 £600

Quotes from Free Price Compare and the national average, using ABI data. This information is correct as of the first part of 2024.

Types of Car Insurance Available in Northern Ireland

When you want to get insurance for your first car or see what is best for your family's car, you can choose from different kinds of coverage:

  • Third Party Only: This plan pays for damage to other people and their things.
  • Third Party, Fire and Theft: This plan gives extra protection for loss from fire or theft.
  • Comprehensive cover: This plan covers your vehicle in the event of an accident you cause.

Other well-known types of car insurance policies available in Northern Ireland include:

  • Black box insurance – This is a great option for younger drivers and those who don’t have much driving experience.
  • Telematics insurance – It tracks the way you drive. You may get discounts based on your driving patterns.
  • Learner driver insurance – A short-term policy for new drivers to practice before taking their test.
  • Multi-car and van insurance – This policy covers more than one vehicle at your home or business.
  • Temporary cover – These are flexible plans that can last from one day to several weeks.

Car Insurance in Northern Ireland by Postcode

Premiums in Northern Ireland can vary based on local risks and claims. Below are some typical quotes for drivers in Belfast and the surrounding areas.

Area Typical Annual Premium
BT1 £680
BT2 £675
BT3 £670
BT4 £665
BT5 £660
BT6 £655
BT7 £650
BT8 £645

Quotes from Free Price Compare are accurate as of May 14, 2025.

What Affects the Cost of Your Car Insurance in Northern Ireland?

There are several key things that affect how much you will pay for your insurance policy:

  • Location: Places in central Belfast usually have higher costs. This is due to traffic and risks of theft.
  • Type of vehicle: Cars that are in high insurance groups or have low safety ratings tend to be more expensive to insure.
  • Your age and licence type: Younger drivers often pay more, especially without a no claims bonus.
  • Annual mileage and use: Driving long distances or using the car for business can raise your premium.
  • Optional cover: Adding extra coverage like breakdown or legal protection will increase your total cost.
  • Excess: Choosing a higher voluntary excess can lower your premium if you can afford it.

Drivers living close to the border with the Republic of Ireland need to check if their car insurance NI policy covers use across the border.

What Affects the Cost of Your Car Insurance in Northern Ireland

What Optional Extras Are Available?

Many insurance companies allow you to customise your policy by choosing from various support options. These options include:

  • Breakdown cover – This gives you recovery and roadside help in the UK and sometimes in the Republic of Ireland.
  • Legal protection – It covers your legal costs if you need to take action or defend yourself after an accident.
  • Courtesy car – A rental car is ready for you while your car is in the shop.
  • Key cover – This pays for the cost of getting new keys if yours are lost or stolen.
  • New windscreen cover – It replaces glass that is broken or cracked.
  • No claims bonus protection – This protects your claims bonus, even if you need to make a claim.
  • Uninsured driver protection – This means you won’t pay extra or lose your bonus if an uninsured driver hits you.
  • Cover for personal belongings – This gives you peace of mind if someone breaks into your car.

Each add-on can affect the price of your policy. You should consider this by thinking about how you drive and your specific circumstances.

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Advice for Young Drivers in Northern Ireland

Car insurance for young drivers in Northern Ireland is cheaper than in some UK cities. Still, it is one of the most expensive in the area. This is mainly because young drivers do not have a long driving history.

Car Model Typical Premium (Age 20, BT5)
Toyota Aygo (2021) £1,960
Ford Fiesta (2018) £1,975
Peugeot 108 (2020) £1,945

Quotes from Free Price Compare are accurate as of May 14, 2025.

Tips to lower your premium:

  • Use a small car that has low insurance costs.
  • Consider getting telematics insurance or black box insurance.
  • Avoid extras that you don’t really need.
  • Keep your no claims bonus safe by driving carefully.
  • If possible, pay for your insurance yearly to avoid interest from monthly payments.
  • Always park your car safely to reduce the risk of theft.

Do Northern Ireland Insurers Follow the Same Rules as the UK?

Yes. Insurance companies in Northern Ireland follow the same rules as those in England, Scotland, and Wales. All car insurance NI providers on Free Price Compare are approved by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Do Northern Ireland Insurers Follow the Same Rules as the UK

Insurers must clearly explain:

  • What is included in your car insurance policy and what is not.
  • How to start a claim if you have an accident.
  • How your personal information is used.
  • What to do if you want to complain or change providers.

Whether you are in Belfast or in the countryside, this ensures you receive fair treatment and good support from your insurer.

Get Northern Ireland Car Insurance Quotes Now!

Comparing car insurance quotes is the easiest way to find the best deal. Just follow these steps:

  • Share your personal information.
  • Tell us about your car’s make, model, and age.
  • Provide your current policy details (if you have one).
  • Get quotes from FCA-authorised insurance providers.

Free Price Compare works with several insurers. They give you live comparisons using your postcode.

FAQs About Northern Ireland Car Insurance

Car insurance NI rates are usually lower than those in many areas of England and Wales. This happens because there are not as many large claims, and the driving conditions are safer.

Not every insurance company includes cross-border coverage in their policies. If you frequently drive in the Republic of Ireland, you should verify if your insurance policy covers EU or international driving.

Yes. Many providers offer temporary learner driver insurance. This allows you to practice driving under supervision in Northern Ireland before your test.

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Page last updated on: 16/07/2025

Page reviewed by: Shay Ramani

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