The Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) has reported a dramatic reduction in uninsured vehicles on Irish roads following the implementation of a new detection system. According to recent data, just over 4% of vehicles were uninsured in 2024, compared to 8.3% in 2022.
This significant improvement stems from the Irish Motor Insurance Database, which compiles comprehensive information from insurers, brokers, fleet owners, and motor traders. The database shares policy details, vehicle registration numbers, and authorized driver information with the Department of Transport and An Garda Síochána, enabling officers to verify insurance status during roadside checks.
“From early in its development, we believed [the database] would represent a powerful weapon in the battle against uninsured driving and we can now see that theory being turned into reality,” said MIBI Chief Executive David Fitzgerald. “Following the introduction of this system last year, gardaí were able to seize 18,676 vehicles in 2024 and issue a further 26,094 summons and charges.”
The number of uninsured private vehicles has decreased substantially, from 187,803 in 2022 to 101,881 in 2024. This reduction means the ratio of uninsured vehicles has improved from one in every 12 to one in every 25 private vehicles.
However, concerns remain regarding commercial vehicles. The MIBI estimates that as many as 108,671 commercial vehicles are either uninsured or not properly registered in the database—approximately one in six commercial vehicles on Irish roads. Fleet and motor trade policyholders who fail to provide required data face potential prosecution and fines of up to €500 per vehicle.
Fitzgerald warned non-compliant fleet owners and motor traders: “We would encourage any fleet owners or motor traders who have yet to add all their vehicle details to the database to act now. Otherwise they can expect to have their vehicles stopped and potentially seized by gardaí in the months ahead.”