Insurance for Pakistani Students

talha.ofb

Hi,
I am a third level student here in Ireland from Pakistan and is looking for Car Insurance for my BMW 318Ci. I have a full Pakistani License since 2013 and has provisional Irish License as well. So far most of the companies have refused me. A few who have given the quote is too expensive. Can anyone suggest a company which can give me a reasonable quote?
Thank you

Chimaera

If you are going to be here for a while it might be a better idea to exchange your Pakistani licence for an Irish one. A BMW 318Ci might not be the most insurance-friendly car around either.

Toyotafanboi

the harsh reality in Ireland is this; insurance companies don't like young drivers, male drivers, inexperienced (provisional drivers) or people driving cars over 1.4 with more than 100bhp, they refer to them as "sports cars".

unfortunately, you sound like all those things, so it is going to be expensive.

things that could make it cheaper would be to get a car with a smaller engine, get a full Irish license, but even then, they'l find something.

what prices did you get already? i'd expect €2-3000?

Noccy_Mondy

You are going to have trouble getting insured on bmw at your age, especially if you have a provisional licence. Not sure if you will simply be able to swap your licence for an Irish one, I think you will have to do an Irish driving test. Someone will know for sure though.

ba_barabus

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

the harsh reality in Ireland is this; insurance companies don't like young drivers, male drivers, inexperienced (provisional drivers) or people driving cars over 1.4 with more than 100bhp, they refer to them as "sports cars".

Add to that people who didn't get their licence in Ireland or Britain.

regana

talha.ofb wrote: »

Hi,
I am a third level student here in Ireland from Pakistan and is looking for Car Insurance for my BMW 318Ci. I have a full Pakistani License since 2013 and has provisional Irish License as well. So far most of the companies have refused me. A few who have given the quote is too expensive. Can anyone suggest a company which can give me a reasonable quote?
Thank you

check this.
clements.com/intl-car

this will be your only bet.

BreadnBuddha

talha.ofb wrote: »

Hi,
I am a third level student here in Ireland from Pakistan and is looking for Car Insurance for my BMW 318Ci. I have a full Pakistani License since 2013 and has provisional Irish License as well. So far most of the companies have refused me. A few who have given the quote is too expensive. Can anyone suggest a company which can give me a reasonable quote?
Thank you

Welcome to boards!

What were you quoted already and for what level of cover? A 318Ci isn't a typical low cost learners vehicle for Ireland and you're going to be paying a lot more for insurance compared to the cost on something like a Yaris or Micra. Even though you're a qualified driver in terms of holding a full license in Pakistan, that qualification has no legal standing or recognition in Ireland. So, with your learners permit, which is NOT a driving license of any type, you are required to be accompanied by the holder of a full EU drivers license at all times when you're driving and that person must have had that license for 2 years or more in order for the accompaniment to meet the legal requirements here. You're also not legally permitted to drive on Motorways. There are some other limitations which you can find out about on RSA.ie

The easiest way to open more doors for quotes will be to apply for and pass your driving test here.

In reality, you might need to keep in mind your position as a non-EU citizen attending third level education here, when your university fees are no doubt substantial, along with normal day to day living costs so far from home. It all adds up and creates some degree of pressure when you MUST keep everything legal (for your student VISA and university place conditions etc), while still focusing on studies and doing what you're here to do.

Insurance here isn't cheap anyway, no matter where we're from! Most drivers have seen an increase in their premiums this year at renewal time, even those with full no claims discounts and 'low risk' cars and have discovered that there's little desire from insurers to compete for their business on price. Many people end up paying a couple of thousand a year or more for first time policies in their own name when they start driving without a recognised no claims discount or named driver experience, even on 1L city cars valued at less in some cases than the policy premium will cost them. Often people end up paying as much or even more for their insurance than their car cost them to buy, especially when they only have limited driving experience and records to go along with that.

If you've purchased a car worth many times what most EU residents/nationals with a learners permit will spend on a vehicle perhaps you should think about getting something more affordable if the price of insurance really is too much to manage on the 318. It's a nicer car than a little 1L runabout, but don't put yourself under financial strain if it's too costly to insure right now. You'll have plenty of time to drive nicer cars in time and you can use the time in between to get your EU license and build up some NCB if you're going to be staying after your studies or extending them. NCB's and the Irish license are transferable right across Europe in most cases too and even further afield in some instances.

If you have the financial means to pay the insurance premium that the BMW carries and it's just the actual price that looks crazy, the only way to get the lowest quote you can right now is to get the phonebook and start calling insurance brokers and companies directly. Expect LOTS of refusals and shockingly expensive quotes. It's a numbers game unfortunately and the odds are stacked against you with the hand you're playing.

Good luck with the motoring and your studies and enjoy your time in Ireland!

slimjimmc

Noccy_Mondy wrote: »

You are going to have trouble getting insured on bmw at your age, especially if you have a provisional licence. Not sure if you will simply be able to swap your licence for an Irish one, I think you will have to do an Irish driving test. Someone will know for sure though.

Pakistan is not on the list of recognised countries for licence exchange so a swap is out of the question.
https://www.ndls.ie/holders-of-foreign-licences.html#holders-of-a-licences-issued-by-an-eu-eea-member-state

BreadnBuddha

regana wrote: »

check this.
clements.com/intl-car

this will be your only bet.

Clements is for professionals on fixed term postings. It doesn't cover students or non-nationals on open term transfers. AIG are the local insurers for policies in Ireland and you don't want to mess with them on the terms. One can get a policy by making false declarations but the OP would stand to lose a lot in the event of a claim as AIG are as ruthless as all the other insurers. 10 years back the Clements policies were great and weren't restrictive at all. Things have changed drastically and their premiums have shot up too. Tread carefully anyone who wants to take one of those policies and make certain you're ticking only the correct boxes on the application!

kay 9

Possibly a troll folks... Good info by you all though for the next Pakistani student if the op doesn't return.

corktina

you'd be better advised to sell the Beemer and buy something smaller. Those high quotes are going to be all that is on offer.

It does make me wonder how many people in this situation say, soddit, I'm only here a short while, I'll just drive away and chance it. Perhaps there should be a college-sponsored insurance scheme for overseas students offering minimum cover cheaply

bear1

kay 9 wrote: »

Possibly a troll folks... Good info by you all though for the next Pakistani student if the op doesn't return.

Can't see the reason why the person could be trolling.
The OP mentions that he has an Irish provisional licence... why not go for the full licence then? Insurance should come down, but not by much.

mgbgt1978

Could be a 'sleeper' Troll.
Joined over 3 months ago and then pounced with his 1st post just when we least expected it...........:pac:.

wonski

Since when asking a question is trolling

MarkAnthony

Does the Pakistani licence still involve rolling up, paying the fee and getting licence? (Not that it's much better here TBH).

Ardeehey

this is the beginning........this could be troll x!

ardmacha

Simple advice, do the test, get a full Irish licence and insurance will be a good as you'll get. If that isn't good enough then buy Micra.

biko

Leave the "troll" comments out please. If you think a suspect post needs action please report, thanks.

talha.ofb

Thank you guys for responding to my thread. Sorry for replying late as I was away.

Well, I am still trying to figure out the insurance thing, tried clements, AXA, Liberty, AIG, they all have refused even I applied through my wife. The best option seems so far is to sell the car and keep running on buses, sad but true. Even if i buy a 1L, I guess the premium will be high. Well, few folks suggested that I should get a permanent Irish license and then should apply? I guess even at that time, these insurance companies will have their excuses, unfortunately

MarkAnthony

talha.ofb wrote: »

Thank you guys for responding to my thread. Sorry for replying late as I was away.

Well, I am still trying to figure out the insurance thing, tried clements, AXA, Liberty, AIG, they all have refused even I applied through my wife. The best option seems so far is to sell the car and keep running on buses, sad but true. Even if i buy a 1L, I guess the premium will be high. Well, few folks suggested that I should get a permanent Irish license and then should apply? I guess even at that time, these insurance companies will have their excuses, unfortunately

On a 'new' licence you will still find it difficult I'm afraid. Chances are having driven in Pakistan you're probably a better driver than most on the roads but there we go. Best of luck OP.