TOP QUOTE DIRECT : Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are number of common home and motor insurance questions and answers to those questions. If you have further enquiries regarding the services offered by Top Quote Direct please do not hesitate to contact us. Please also read the "Important Notes" section, as this contains information and requirements relevant to any quote you may recieve.

• Motor Insurance FAQ
• Household Insurance FAQ
• Important Notes

Motor Insurance FAQ:

Q. What is a Premium?
 A. A premium is the amount of money payable for an insurance policy. This can be paid in full or by monthly direct debits.

Q. What does Vehicle Type refer to?
 A. The vehicle type refers to the exact model of vehicle that you wish to insure. It is very important to state the exact model of the vehicle you wish to insure. The 'exact model' includes abbreviations such as GLX, TDI, RT, EX.

Q. Why is Vehicle Age important?
 A. The vehicle age may have a bearing on the quotation given. It is worth remembering that some companies require a garage report for older vehicles, for example, those over ten years old.

Q. What does Vehicle Value refer to?
 A. The vehicle value will have to be specified before a premium can be quoted. The value is calculated based upon the current vehicle market value at the time of application. Remember that an insurance company will not amend the value of a vehicle at the time of policy renewal. Amendment of vehicle value can only be carried out upon instruction from the policy holder.

Q. What is a No Claims Bonus?
A. A No Claims Bonus is a rising discount awarded at each renewal of insurance policy. Normally a bonus can rise for up to five years for accident and claim-free driving. If you have previously been a named driver on a motor policy and are taking on your first policy you may be eligible for an introductory no claims bonus with Top Quote Direct.

Q. What is Named Driving Experience?
A. Top Quote Direct offer significant discounts for first time proposers who have previously been named on another policy. Normally a proposer will have to have been named on a previous policy for a number of current and up-to-date years. In some instances one year will suffice. Drivers previously driving a company car can also avail of significant discounts.

Q. What is Renewal?
A. Normally renewal of policy will be made every twelve months. There are no days of grace on a motor policy, thus renewal must be made on, or before, the twelve month point.

Q. What is does Excess mean on my policy?
A. Excess refers to the amount that your policy does not cover. E.G. if your 'excess' is €100 and you are making a claim for €1000 the insurance company will pay you for €900. The excess will be noted in your policy schedule. Normally an excess will not apply to a windscreen claim and in some policiesfor fire and theft claims. In some instances, it may be possible to increase the policy excess voluntarily which may result in a premium discount.

Q. The accident was not my fault. Will I lose my No Claims Bonus?
A. Any claim on a policy has the potential to effect a No Claims Bonus. Most Top Quote Direct policies will include some form of protection for your bonus and in some instances a claim for fire or theft may not affect your no claims bonus. In the event of a claim you should consult your policy or broker.

Q. Does Comprehensive Cover mean I have Open Driving?
A. No! This is a common myth. Open driving must be specifically requested of, and agreed by, your insurance company.

Q. When can I cancel my policy?
A. A policy can be cancelled at any time by sending written confirmation to your broker or insurance company. This must be accompanied by both your insurance certificate and insurance disc.

Q. What is DOC?
A. DOC means Driving Other Cars. Where this is granted on a policy it allows the policy holder to drive another private car that is not owned, or hired to, him/her. Some underwriters exclude spouse's and employer's vehicles. If DOC has been granted, the policy holder is only covered by third party while driving these vehicles.

Household Insurance FAQ:

Q. What is a premium?
 A. A premium is the amount of money payable for an insurance policy

Q. What is does Excess mean on my policy?
 A. Excess refers to the amount that your policy does not cover. E.G. if your 'excess' is €100 and you are making a claim for €1000 the insurance company will pay you for €900.

Q. When can I cancel my policy?
 A. A policy can be cancelled at any time by sending written confirmation to your broker or insurance company

Q. What if a tradesman or other person is injured while carrying out a repair in my house?
 A. All household policies include specific liability cover. Thus, if you are liable you are covered.

Q. As I have my mortgage with a bank or building society do I have to take the policy that they offer?
 A. No! Under government legislation you are free to chose the best offer on the market. The only condition is that the policy selected meets the requirements of the lending institution. Top Quote Direct policies meet these.

Q. What happens if I move house?
 A. Simply advise your insurance company of your new address, type of dwelling and any change in house value or material change. Your old policy will be amended to cover your new dwelling.

Q. What are All Risks Extensions?
 A. All risk extensions can be split into two categories:

  1. Specified - where you specifically describe and value an item to be insured.
  2. Unspecified - where you insure an amount, say €2000. This can relate to a number of items whose total value is €2000.
Remember, in most instances under this section there will be a limit to the value of any single item.

Important Notes:

Top Quote Direct is a member of the Irish Brokers Association. It takes every measure to ensure that the service provided through this web site is secure and correct.

Motor Insurance:
  • You are legally obliged to give true and honest answers when applying for a motor insurance policy.
  • It is a condition of any motor insurance policy (and required by law) that the vehicle to be insured is, and is kept in, a roadworthy condition.
  • If you cease driving your no claims bonus will remain valid for up to two years from the expiry date of your last policy.
  • All quotations must be validated by underwriters.
  • It is important to retain any invoices or receipts for articles covered by your insurance policy.
  • Never admit liability in the event of an accident.
  • In general, the smaller the vehicle engine size the lower the insurance premiums will be.
  • Endeavour to obtain a full license as soon as possible. This will also lower premiums.
  • Always carefully read your insurance policy so that you are fully aware of what it covers. If in doubt contact your broker.
Household Insurance:
  • You are legally obliged to give true and honest answers when applying for a home insurance policy.
  • All quotations must be validated by underwriters.
  • It is important to retain any invoices or receipts for articles of value covered by your insurance policy.
  • The sum insured for buildings should represent the full rebuilding cost of the property.
  • The sum insured for contents should represent the full replacement value of the contents.
  • The sums insured for buildings and contents should be reviewed regularly, ideally at each renewal date.
  • A smoke alarm is inexpensive and strongly recommended. Top Quote Direct will offer a discount for policy holders who have smoke alarms installed. The amount of discount given is normally greater than the cost of the alarm (e.g. 5% of the buildings and contents premium).
  • If part of your roof is not covered with slate tiles (e.g. an extension with a felt roof) be sure to advise your insurer.
Should you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact us.