Lived abroad - Insurance Companies wont accept my No Claims Bonus

themacman

Is there any way around this?

I have lived abroad for the last 5 years without driving. Having returned to the country, I can´t find an insurance company that will accept my no claims bonus from being in Ireland beforehand.

As a result I am getting ridiculous quotes. I have a full licence, and never made a claim.

Any advice?

djimi

Try some brokers and see what they might be able to do for you.

5 years is a long time though. The limit is usually 2 years before a NCB expires, so you may be out of luck unfortunately.

biko

2 years is the usual limit. You can try to contact your last insurer and see if they'll cut you a deal.
Or brokers.

P_1

Best give a broker a bell. What country were you in if you don't mind me asking? EU/US/Can/ANZAC countries might have some sort of agreements in place that a broker should be able to ferret out for you.

themacman

Thanks for the replies so far. My last insurer is being no help at all.

I did a lot of backpacking all over and then lived in South America for a while

Longford29

themacman wrote: »

Is there any way around this?

I have lived abroad for the last 5 years without driving. Having returned to the country, I can´t find an insurance company that will accept my no claims bonus from being in Ireland beforehand.

As a result I am getting ridiculous quotes. I have a full licence, and never made a claim.

Any advice?

Not really advice!! Insurance company are unbelievable ...I have 2 cars and 2 insurance ) where else you see that?

aidanathome

Unfortunately I was in the same boat 12 months ago, and I've seen many similar stories on boards since I returned. I don't think there is a solution other than to buy a small-engine car and build up your NCB again.
I agree, it's bull****. I'm still unhappy at what I had to pay last year, and again next week when I renew...

fmcg_scribe

themacman wrote: »

Thanks for the replies so far. My last insurer is being no help at all.

I did a lot of backpacking all over and then lived in South America for a while

You might have to swallow it.

Recognition of NCB across countries is a thorny issue.

When I moved to the UK eight years ago, none of the UK insurers were interested in my NCB history from Ireland. For the first year or two, my UK premiums were high but after that things settled down and I have kept my nose clean in the UK with no accidents, penalty points, or endorsements.

keithclancy

fmcg_scribe wrote: »

You might have to swallow it.

Recognition of NCB across countries is a thorny issue.

When I moved to the UK eight years ago, none of the UK insurers were interested in my NCB history from Ireland. For the first year or two, my UK premiums were high but after that things settled down and I have kept my nose clean in the UK with no accidents, penalty points, or endorsements.

I had no problem getting my Irish NCB recognised here in NL. The other way around apparently is not possible :mad:

themacman

Thanks for the replies. I bit the bullet and payed like a brand new driver. Bunch of crooks.