A new survey reveals you can save up to €1,300 if you shop around for your car insurance. The research was carried out into the top 8 insurance companies in Ireland by the National Consumer Agency (NCA).

It also showed that 1-in-4 consumers are still not shopping around for their insurance.

Men and women are however now being being quoted equally for their insurance following a European Union (EU) gender ruling earlier this year.

The survey found:

• There was a difference of €1,335 on third-party, fire and theft cover and up to €1,038 on fully comprehensive cover between the lowest and highest quote for a 20-year-old student from Mayo with a full licence and driving experience of less than one year
• There was a difference of €595 on third-party, fire and theft cover and up to €625 on fully comprehensive cover between the lowest and highest quote for a 25-year-old teacher from Kilkenny with a full licence for 3 years

'Penalty point drivers can still make savings'

The NCA says that even if you have penalty points, it is still worthwhile getting a number of quotes before you renew.

It found a difference of €205 between the highest and lowest provider for a 50-year old with 6 penalty points from County Cork. It says that it is important to give full and accurate information when applying for motor insurance because providing inaccurate details could negatively impact on any future claims.

The survey found that ‘breakdown assistance’ covers also differ between providers. Some policies only provide roadside assistance and limited driveway assistance in the case of a breakdown or accident, while others provide roadside and driveway assistance as well as a tow-away service.

The NCA says if you have a separate breakdown assistance package, you should compare the benefits to those provided as standard by your motor insurance policy to ensure you are not paying twice for the same cover.

Fergal O'Leary is from the National Consumer Agency. He says the survey also shows people are not shopping around and they should.