Galway was amongst the worst Garda districts in the country for the offence, recording a 199 per cent increase in drivers caught by Gardaí driving without insurance in 2024.
According to Garda figures, the number of vehicles detained 'from a driver without an approved policy of insurance' under Section 41 of the Roads Traffic Act 1994, rose significantly in every county between Q2 2023 and Q4 2024. As a result, the number of drivers caught by garda without insurance has led to a significant percentage increase in every garda district in the country.
Galway saw the largest spike in offenders during this period, with a 199 per cent increase, followed by Dublin South Central (166 per cent ), Laois/Offaly (138 per cent ), Dublin North Central (125.2 per cent ) and Donegal at (123 per cent ). Shockingly, at 52 per cent, Clare/Tipperary saw the lowest percentage increase in offending drivers.
Urgent measures
Calling for 'urgent measures to address the spike in the number of drivers caught without insurance' across every Garda district in Ireland, Ireland South MEP, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú says that 'high car insurance premiums' may be to blame for the issue.
A member of the EU Transport Committee, MEP Ní Mhurchú highlighted the link between premiums and the rise, saying, “It appears likely there is a correlation between the excessive cost of car insurance in Ireland and the spike in motorists driving without insurance.
"That in no way justifies a motorist driving without insurance and uninsured drivers involved in accidents only serves to further increase the average cost of premiums. The cost of car insurance has risen by over 11 per cent in a year according to CSO figures, well above and beyond the level of inflation."
According to MEP Ní Mhurchú, Ireland's rising insurance premiums far outreach out European counterparts, with French analysts estimating a 4 to 6 per cent increase in insurance premiums this year, a rate that is 'half of Ireland's increase'. A statement released by the MEP regarding the topic reads, "Whilst the cost of insurance in Estonia grew by 22 per cent in 2023, it is still relatively low at an average of €144. Average motor premiums in rural Hungary are as low as €130 per year."
Bringing the issue to Brussels
Pledging to raise the issue in the Transport Committee of the European Parliament, MEP Ní Mhurchú has additionally called for 'urgent measures' to be carried out by Government, namely the 'immediate implementation of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform' promised in the Programme for Government.
In response to the surge, Ní Mhurchú has vowed to raise the issue in the EU Transport Committee and states that she will 'lobby her colleagues in government' to implement the Action Plan for Insurance Reform.
