/prod01/channel_26/media/fbd2018/img/FBD_Logo.png){kind=logo}
Policyholders with a NCD Moving Abroad
If you are moving abroad for an extended period of travelling/vacation or to work, you can contact FBD Insurance for guidance about the policies, procedures and particular options appropriate to your specific circumstances, at +353 1 7617 617 (for Irish and international callers).
Some general information is provided below which you may find useful prior to your departure, grouped according to the length of time you will be abroad:
Less than 1 Year
It may be an appropriate solution for you to suspend your policy if you are going to be living abroad for less than a year. The cover under the policy can be suspended from the date we have received your request in writing, together with the current certificate and insurance disc. If you are paying by direct debit, we will continue to collect your direct debit instalments during the period of suspension. We will refund the premium for the suspension period after cover is reinstated, less any administration fee, provided the suspension has lasted for at least 28 days in a row, there has been no claim on your policy, and no claim is pending.
Remember if you suspend your policy in its entirety, all cover will cease to operate during this period. and you or any named drivers will not have any cover to drive your car during this period.
However, if you have other drivers named on your policy who will continue to use the vehicle while you are abroad, you may want to keep the policy running as normal. However, this may change the terms and pricing of this policy.
If your intended stay abroad extends beyond the next renewal date and into a new period of insurance, cancelling the contract may be the better option.
Please contact FBD Insurance to discuss the best options for you.
1-2 Years
The standard market practice in relation to a No Claim Discount is that it is valid for a period of 2 years from the last date on which your policy was in force (i.e., before it lapsed/was cancelled and not being used on another vehicle).
So, if you have been abroad for less than 2 years and not held a policy in your own name while you have been abroad then your No Claim Discount may still be relevant. As part of this we may request details of the gap in cover and confirmation you have remained accident, claims free since your last policy expired. Your No Claim Discount is based on your previous level of claims free driving experience earned in your own name.
More than 2 Years
If more than 2 years have passed since your Irish motor insurance policy was cancelled/lapsed, your No Claim Discount is no longer valid. However, if you have claims-free driving experience in a different country in your own name, we will take this experience into consideration if you seek a quotation from us on your return to Ireland, and subject to both the driving experience details being emailed by you to us and the appropriate verifiable documentation being provided.
This documentation will likely constitute a No Claim Bonus Statement and/or a letter of driving experience in respect of the relevant country. Please bear in mind that all documentation you gather abroad must be verifiable and should contain as much detailed relevant information as possible including but not limited to; the dates of the insurance policy, type of insurance, certification of claims-free driving.
The documentation must:
- be issued by an insurer (not a broker or reinsurer);
- be on official company headed paper;
- be issued in your name as the policyholder;
- be in English (this is a requirement and will not be acceptable for use if not available);
- show the number of claims free years driving allowed to the policyholder;
- show details of any claims (date of accidents, amounts paid and claims status i.e. outstanding / settled);
- show the policy expiry date.
Please be aware that FBD must verify an overseas No Claim Discount prior to cover and/or discount being allowed. It is vital therefore that you make contact well in advance of the date that cover is required to ensure that your previous insurer can validate the No Claim Discount letter and information provided.