Talk the talk

Terry Dinnigan, head of marketing and development at Hibernian Insurance, talks to David Clerkin.

Tell us about Hibernian’s motor discount package. What’s on offer?

Drivers with no penalty points get 17.5% off their premium, while those with one or two points get 10% off. We also offer a customer loyalty discount of 5% if the driver has been insured with Hibernian for 3 years or more and has a full no-claims bonus.

There’s a second car discount if both your and your partner’s cars are insured with us. We give 5% off if your annual mileage is below 5,000 miles, 2.5% if it’s between 5,000 and 10,000. And there’s a 30% discount for customers who complete an advanced driver test and become a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

Why is Hibernian offering these discounts?

We believe in rewarding customers for their loyalty and for a safe driving record. We reward customers where it really matters - in their pockets.

What do you say about the view that incurring points is more a matter of bad luck than bad driving? Is your penalty points discount effectively penalising people who have mostly been caught as soft targets?

We are not penalising customers with points, but rewarding those without points. I’d stress our 10% discount to those with up to 2 points, which gives some leeway to those who may, as you say, have just been unlucky. We’ve been putting pressure on the Government to increase the Garda presence on our roads. Genuine enforcement of road traffic legislation is the only way we are going to see a reduction in the numbers of those killed and injured on Irish roads.

Does Hibernian automatically apply the discounts to qualifying customers, or do they have to ask for them?

Customer loyalty discounts are automatically applied. Mileage and second car discounts must be requested. The penalty point discount is automatic, but we ask that customers provide us with their driver licence number to ensure they continue to receive the discount at subsequent renewals. All information relating to the penalty point discount is posted to customers with their insurance renewal notice. For new customers, it is included with their policy details.

Can you quantify the fall in average premiums in recent years?

The cost of motor insurance is back to 1999 levels now, a fall of approximately 20% over the last two years, on average.

Is there a special deal for younger drivers?

Our ignition scheme is a one-day course for inexperienced drivers. The course is free and is held at several locations around the country. Those who pass can get up to 50% off their premium. Further details are available by calling 1890 667777.