Have you ever imagined yourself driving along the beautiful roads of Ireland? Owning a vehicle can provide a feeling of freedom and flexibility, but before making that decision, it is essential to understand what is involved in owning a car in Ireland. In this article, we’ll explore the most important aspects, from taxes to vehicle insurance and what to do in the event of an accident.
IPosts of Vehicles in Ireland
Owning a vehicle in Ireland involves a number of taxes that you should be aware of. The first of these is the “Value Added Tax” (VAT), which is a tax on added value. When you buy a vehicle in Ireland, you are required to pay VAT. Even if you import a new vehicle, you may be responsible for paying VAT, even if you have already paid it in the country of origin. However, there is the possibility of avoiding paying VAT if you can prove that the vehicle was used for at least six months and traveled more than 6,000 kilometers before being registered in Ireland.
Another important tax is the “Vehicle Registration Tax” (VRT), which must be paid on all new vehicles purchased in Ireland and those imported into the country. If you purchase a vehicle from a dealer in Ireland, the dealer is responsible for paying the VRT and registering the vehicle before delivering it to you. If you import a vehicle into Ireland, you will be responsible for registering the vehicle and having it assessed for VRT within seven days of its arrival. To do this, you will need to take the vehicle to a vehicle testing center called the “National Car Testing Service” (NCTS). The registration process must be completed within 30 days of the vehicle arriving in Ireland.
After registering and paying for the VRT, you will receive the vehicle registration certificate, which also serves as proof of payment for the VRT. Additionally, the Irish government imposes “Motor Tax” on all vehicles. The tax amount varies depending on when the vehicle was registered. Vehicles registered before July 2008 have the tax value determined by CO2 emissions. For vehicles registered after July 2008, the tax amount depends on the size of the vehicle’s engine.
National Car Test (NCT) and Vehicle Insurance
Other important aspects to consider when owning a vehicle in Ireland are the National Car Test (NCT) and vehicle insurance. NCT is mandatory for all vehicles over four years old, regardless of whether the vehicle has undergone similar testing in other countries. The NCT assesses the condition of the vehicle in terms of safety, including brakes, corrosion, steering and emissions, among others. The test frequency is every two years, but for vehicles over ten years old, it must be carried out annually. Failure to comply with the NCT schedule can result in fines and penalty points.Vehicle insurance is another crucial point. It is mandatory by law in Ireland and not having it can result in fines, penalty points and even license suspension. There are different types of vehicle insurance available, including:
Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance: This is the highest level of coverage and generally the most expensive. It covers a wide range of situations, including harm to others and yourself.
Third Party, Fire and Theft Insurance: This is an intermediate level of insurance that covers damage to your vehicle caused by fire or theft, as well as damage to third parties and their property.
Third Party Insurance: This is the minimum level of insurance required by law. It only covers damage caused to third parties and does not cover damage to your own vehicle.It’s important to note that the cost of vehicle insurance can vary depending on several factors, such as age, gender, license type, vehicle type, frequency of use, where the vehicle is stored, and more. Therefore, it is advisable to research and compare different insurers to find the best deal.
What to do in case of an accident
In the event of a traffic accident in Ireland, it is essential to know what to do. You must stop at the scene of the accident, regardless of the severity of the damage. Be sure to collect the following information from the other driver:
- Name
- Address
- Vehicle owner details (as this may not be the person driving at the time of the accident)
- Insurance details
If there are injuries or damage to property, you must report the accident to the police (Garda). It is advisable to also take photographs of the scene of the accident and any damaged property, including the vehicle involved, so that you can provide these to your insurer and the Garda if necessary.
Breakdown Assistance Services
No one wants to be stuck with a broken down vehicle in the middle of the Irish countryside. To avoid this setback, it is highly recommended to purchase a breakdown assistance service. If you are renting a car, this service is usually provided by the rental company.If you have comprehensive vehicle insurance, breakdown assistance may be included. However, it is important to check which services are available as they can vary. Some of the leading companies offering breakdown assistance services in Ireland include AA, Alliance Assistance, AnPost Insurance, Aviva, AXA, Blue Insurance, Breakdown Cover e Car Protect.
Importing a Vehicle into Ireland
Importing a vehicle into Ireland can be an expensive and complex process. Before deciding to import a vehicle, it is important to consider all the costs involved. If you choose to import a vehicle, you will need to register it, pay VRT (if you are not exempt due to owning the vehicle for more than six months) and pay vehicle tax.In short, owning a vehicle in Ireland offers freedom, but it also comes with a number of obligations and costs. Before making the decision to purchase a car, take into account all the financial and legal aspects involved. Knowing the responsibilities and necessary processes can make the experience of owning a vehicle in Ireland much smoother and more pleasant.We hope this guide provides valuable information for Brazilians living in Ireland. Driving the green roads of Ireland can be a wonderful adventure, as long as you are aware of and prepared to comply with all necessary regulations.
