Motor insurance prices stubbornly high in Northern Ireland
Motor insurance prices in Northern Ireland fell just £2 in the last quarter compared to decreases of £50 in the West Midlands and £30 in London.
According to new data from Quotezone, average motor insurance premiums in Northern Ireland are now the third highest in the UK at £624 and about eight per cent above the national average.
Younger motorists continue to face the steepest prices, with average premiums for drivers aged 17 to 24 at £1,386. This is £80 lower than average premiums in the previous quarter but still 26% higher than the UK average for this age category. Meanwhile, 18-year-olds are paying more than £3,150 on average, with policies falling by more than £700 for 19-year-olds.
Higher prices for young drivers is based on risk, with those aged 17-23 accounting for 24% of all drivers killed or seriously injured on the road.
Northern Ireland will introduce Graduated Driver Licensing in October with the intention of improving road safety for younger drivers. Under new rules, learners will be required to complete a six-month learning period before taking their practical test while new drivers will face restrictions around driving at night and the number of passengers they can take.
Claims costs
Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and founder of Quotezone, said: “It is encouraging to see premiums falling across most of the UK, but Northern Ireland is lagging behind. A £2 drop over three months will feel like nothing to drivers already juggling fuel costs and rising household bills.
“Northern Ireland has shifted from one of the more affordable regions in 2024 to the third most expensive this quarter. That reflects higher claim costs and ongoing road safety challenges, and young drivers are bearing the sharpest end of it.
“Graduated Driver Licensing is a real chance to improve road safety, and over time that should feed through into lower premiums for new drivers.”
