Car Insurance - Making a Claim

Beyond Economic Repair (BER) means the cost of repairing your vehicle is higher than its market value before the damage. In this case, your insurer will declare it a total loss and offer a settlement based on its pre-accident value.

You may also decide to repair your car, but keep in mind you may be required to get a certificate of road worthiness from a qualified engineer before cover can be put back in place.

For more details, see What is Beyond Economic Repair (BER)?.

Yes! 123.ie recommends using our network of approved repairers for vehicle repairs.

The benefits offered can vary by repairer, so it's best to check with the repairer directly for details on what’s included. Some of the most common repair benefits include:

• Minimum three year warranty (repaired areas only)
• Genuine Manufacturer parts and paint warranty
• Direct Billing Service (payments made direct to Repairer)
• Priority Service
• Compliant with local authority waste disposal requirements
• Free of charge vehicle wash and clean

For home emergencies, our Home Rescue Cover service provides 24/7 assistance, covering emergency repairs up to €200 with up to three call-outs per year.

Visit our Approved Repairers or Home Rescue pages for more details.

If you're in a car accident, your safety comes first. Take a deep breath and follow these steps:

1. Check for injuries – If anyone is hurt, call emergency services immediately at 112 or 999.

2. Report to the Gardaí – Notify the local Garda station, especially if there are injuries or significant damage.

3. Gather essential details – Take note of registration numbers, driver and witness contact details, and insurance information.

4. Take photos – Capture clear images of vehicle damage, the accident scene, and road conditions.

5. Notify 123.ie – Call our Claims Team at (01) 290 1999 as soon as possible to report the incident.

For a step-by-step guide on handling an accident, visit our detailed help page: What should I do if I am involved in a road accident?.

If your car is declared a write-off after a claim, 123.ie will compensate you based on its pre-accident market value, up to the amount you declared.

We’ll source bids from salvage agents and share the highest one with you. You can accept this offer or choose another, but the salvage amount and your policy excess will be deducted from your settlement.

For a detailed breakdown of the salvage process, see What is the salvage process and how does it work?.

The time it takes to settle a claim depends on the details of your case. Every claim is different, and some take longer than others. But you can help speed things up by:

• Giving us all the information we need when you make your claim
• Staying in touch with your claims handler
• Sending any requested documents as soon as possible

Want to know more? Check out our detailed guide: How long does it take to settle an insurance claim?.

Yes, if your car is damaged and undrivable due to a covered incident, you may be eligible for up to €200 towards car hire costs. This benefit applies only to valid claims and requires prior approval from your claims handler.

For full details on car hire coverage, see Does my policy cover car hire?.

A fraudulent claim occurs when someone intentionally omits, misrepresents, alters, or conceals vital information related to a claim to receive payment they would not otherwise be entitled to.

If you suspect someone is making a fraudulent claim, report it to Insurance Confidential at fraud@insuranceireland.eu or through their website.

If someone is making a claim against you, do not admit liability or discuss the claim with them. Instead, refer them to our Claims Team and forward any correspondence from the claimant or their insurer to us, ensuring your claim or policy number is included.

If you receive any legal documents, send them to us immediately and unanswered​. For more details, see What if someone makes a claim against me?.

Making a claim affects your policy differently based on your no claims discount protection. Discounts may remain unaffected, reduced by three years, or reset entirely.

See your policy schedule for details, or learn more at: How does making a claim impact my policy?.

Yes, you can claim directly from the other person's Car Insurance policy, but you must still inform our Claims Team on 01 290 1999. Ensure you have the third party’s insurance details, and we recommend contacting them as soon as possible to begin your claim.

Deciding whether to claim depends on your excess, potential impacts on your no claims discount, and future premiums. Excesses differ by policy type and coverage.

To understand these impacts fully before deciding, see Should I make an insurance claim?.

In insurance terms, the “first party” is the insurer, and the “second party” is the policyholder. A third party is anyone else. If someone makes a claim against you or your vehicle, that person is the third party.

For more information on specific insurance-related products, don’t hesitate to contact us.

An End of Life Vehicle (ELV) is a car or van that can no longer be used safely on the road and needs to be scrapped. Once it’s no longer roadworthy, it must be disposed of responsibly at an authorised treatment facility.

If you need help understanding your cover or next steps, contact us or check your policy documents for all the details.

An adjustor (sometimes called a claims adjustor or loss adjustor) is the person who checks out the details of your insurance claim. They investigate what happened, look at the damage, and figure out how much we should pay based on what your policy covers. Simply put, they help 123.ie settle claims fairly.

We can communicate by phone, post and email. You may also receive text messages to update you on the progress of your claim. Your claims representative will be able to update you on the progress of your claim at any stage.