“It has no answers for increased insurance costs. Health insurance has surged and travel insurance has also risen (up 4.7%), but the cost of house insurance fell slightly last year by 0.6%, according to the CSO, while car insurance rose 1.4%. “The continued uptick in motor insurance costs is a worry as it is putting many families and young people under severe pressure,” Geraldine Kelly, head of personal lines at brokers Gallagher, said. “Home repair costs also continue to rise, with the cost of services for the maintenance and repair of homes up 3% annually. "If your home is underinsured, you could end up paying a significant portion of the repair costs out of your own pocket.”

Source: Irish Examiner January 16, 2026 11:30 UTC