FBD, the Republic’s only indigenous general insurer, said its pretax profit fell by almost 30 per cent last year as it absorbed €30.8 million of net costs from Storm Éowyn in January last year. Its return on investments – another core part component of insurance companies’ earnings – fell 5.4 per cent to €24.7 million. It also plans to spend up to €4 million buying back its own shares in 2026, similar to last year. “We have experienced increases in third-party motor damage costs in 2025, across both private and commercial motor,” the company said. “Reduced compensation levels for minor injuries and reduced legal costs will lead to reduced insurance costs and improved affordability for customers,” he said.

Source: The Irish Times March 06, 2026 19:35 UTC