Cheap tractor insurance quotes

Northern Ireland Tractor Insurance

So you’re looking for options to insure a tractor in Northern Ireland. Whether you’re hailing from a commercial farm in Co. Fermanagh or Co. Armagh, or working your own land outside of Belfast, you’ll need to consider how you use your tractor. Is it an essential piece of equipment that supports your livelihood? Or maybe it’s a vintage tractor that only gets out on a few sunny days a year. 

Northern Ireland tractor insurance companies take these, and other factors into account when giving you a tractor insurance quote. We at CompareNI.com can simplify your decision by taking these brief details and matching you with the Northern Irish tractor insurance company that best fits the cover you want. 

Like car insurance, if your tractor is used on public roads in Northern Ireland, you’ll need a minimum of third party insurance. This includes driving your tractor to fields that are only accessible through public roads. Being insured for road access can also be useful for moving or borrowing machinery, helping out in emergencies and lending a hand to neighbours or fellow farmers in busy times.

You might also consider different types of insurance for your tractor. For example, if you’re hiring out your vintage tractor for weddings or events, you could also consider public liability insurance or hire and reward insurance. Similarly, if you have more than one tractor, agricultural vehicle insurance can cover multiple vehicles under one policy.

Even if your tractor never leaves your farm, it’s still worth considering insurance. You might agree that your tractor is one of your best employees. And if you’re relying on it to put in the hours when time and weather are against you, it’s probably a loss you can’t afford. The risk of breaking down, accidental damage, or theft can be covered with Northern Irish tractor insurance.

A 2022 PSNI report announced that theft makes up 74% of all agricultural crime in Northern Ireland. This is even more likely in isolated rural areas where farm vehicles make for easier pickings. Insurance that covers theft can take this risk (and expense) off your plate and help you get back to work as quickly as possible. 

Get a Compare NI tractor insurance quote now

Cheap NI Tractor Insurance

A lot of the time finding cheap tractor insurance is about shopping around. At CompareNI.com we are not owned by and do not have any investments in insurance brokers or insurance companies. So we can give you an unbiased and speedy comparison across various cheap NI tractor insurance policies. 

 Your options for farm tractor insurance are the same as those for normal car insurance:

• Third party insurance – This is the minimum level of insurance needed to drive on public roads in Northern Ireland. It covers damage to third party vehicles, property and injury costs.
• Third party, fire and theft insurance – This covers damage to third parties and also pays out if the tractor is stolen, or damaged in accidental fire.
• Fully comprehensive – These are often the most expensive policies, but will also provide the most coverage, protecting your tractor and property as well as third party, theft and fire.

Common optional extras within farm tractor insurance NI policies include 

• Loss or damage to personal belongings in the tractor
• Legal expenses
•  Personal accident cover
• A replacement vehicle in case of a breakdown

How much does it cost to insure a tractor in Northern Ireland?

This depends on how you use your tractor and what coverage you need. For example, if you are renting a vintage tractor out for events twice a year, insurance companies are going to offer you a different price than someone using a tractor for daily farm work.

The quickest way to check how much your tractor insurance is going to cost is to enter a few simple details and get an unbiased quote comparing up to date NI tractor insurance policies at CompareNI.com.

How can I reduce the cost of insuring a Northern Ireland tractor?

You’ll already know some factors insurers use to gauge your premium. Some of these you have no sway over, but here’s a few to consider that can help keep your insurance as cheap as possible. 

Who’s driving your tractor?

Besides the tractor itself, insurers’ main concern is the driver. The minimum possible age for driving a tractor in Northern Ireland is as low as age 13 on private land, and age 16 on public roads (with exceptions and limitations). Insurance is typically cheaper for older, more experienced drivers.

Keeping claims to a minimum

Obviously, people usually only claim when they feel it’s necessary, but there is a lot you can do to avoid these ‘necessary’ claims. Keeping your tractor in a good state of repair and having it regularly serviced can lower the risk of faults and breakdowns, so you’ll have fewer claims long-term.

Avoid motoring convictions

Adhering to Northern Ireland road laws on speed limits, signposting and substance use will keep convictions off your record and help reduce the cost of your tractor insurance. 

Your tractor model

Your tractor will usually be insured against its current market value, so generally speaking, a more inexpensive tractor can help lower tractor insurance costs. Equally, if you’re buying a tractor with expensive new technologies like GPS or satellite controls, these can affect your premium, so make sure these are something you are going to make good use of. 

If you’re a vintage tractor owner or collector, some policies specifically insure vintage tractors and could provide the lowest costs for your insurance needs.

Where you keep your tractor

Theft accounts for the majority of agricultural crime in Northern Ireland, especially in rural areas. No matter how safe you think your tractor is on your own land, it’s usually safer to secure it in a shed or behind locked gates. Alarms, trackers or CCTV can also help deter theft and reduce premiums with some insurers. 

What our experts say:

“Tractor insurance can be a significant expense in an industry already facing a lot of financial fluctuations. Our sites can help to keep premiums competitive, and with just one short online form we can match you with providers who meet your needs and can discuss the policy with you at a time that works for you.” – Ian Wilson, Price comparison expert at CompareNI.com

Does the location of my farm affect the cost of my NI tractor insurance?

In some cases, yes. If you are driving your tractor on NI public roads, your location can affect the cost of your premium. Insurers generally judge urban or built up areas to be more dangerous for drivers. 

Agricultural crime is often reported as being much higher in rural areas than in urban ones. This seems like an obvious statement but for insurers, it means that you are a higher risk to ensure and can affect premiums.

Does the type of farm I own affect the cost of my Northern Irish tractor insurance?

Not directly, but it can affect how you use your tractor and this is important for your insurance costs. If your farm layout means that you need to drive your tractor on public roads, you will need a minimum of third party insurance by law. Similarly, with a smaller farm, your tractor’s annual mileage could be very limited, and this can also lower the costs of tractor insurance. 

Does it cost more to insure an older tractor in Northern Ireland?

Possibly, but it’s usually a toss up between more specific traits of your tractor. Tractors are usually insured against the market value so it might seem like an older, cheaper tractor will be cheaper to insure. But insurers also consider potential repair costs and availability of parts which can be more difficult to get for less popular tractor models. Some features of older tractors, like having no cab can affect the cost as it increases the risk of injury to you, the driver. 

Does tractor insurance cover me for driving on public roads in Northern Ireland?

Only if you have a minimum of third-party insurance. This is the minimum legal requirement to drive on public roads in Northern Ireland.

Is NI tractor insurance mandatory if the tractor always stays on my farm?

No, tractor insurance is not required by law in Northern Ireland. But if you rely on your tractor to ensure your livelihood it’s probably a good idea to cover your tractor for at least theft and fire.

Should I install security features in order to reduce the cost of my Northern Ireland tractor insurance?

It’s best to get a quote and speak to insurers before making any security investments yourself. Some insurers will provide you with specific trackers or ask you to register your vehicle with particular bodies in case of theft. Get matched with the best provider for your budget and needs and get an unbiased NI tractor insurance quote from Compare NI now.