FBD Insurance

FBD Insurance Ireland 2025: A Leading Local Insurer with Deep Market Roots and Customer-Centric Focus

FBD Insurance stands out in Ireland’s insurance landscape as a dominant local insurer, renowned for its expertise in property, liability, and agri-business insurance. Established over 40 years ago by Irish farmers, FBD has grown to become a cornerstone insurer catering primarily to rural and SME clients, while expanding thoughtfully into business and retail segments. In 2025, it continues to blend traditional values with modern innovation, driven by a strong customer-centric philosophy and a wide national presence.

Corporate Overview and Market Position

FBD Holdings plc is a publicly traded company on the Euronext Dublin main market with a robust capital position and a diversified Irish insurance portfolio.

• Market Share and Segmentation:
  As of 2025, FBD is the fifth-largest non-life insurer in Ireland, with approximately €460 million in gross written premiums, representing over 13% of the general insurance market. Its core strength lies in the farming sector, where it commands a dominant share exceeding 70%. Business and retail lines represent 31% and 19% of its premiums respectively, underscoring the company’s diversified book.
• Distribution and Reach:
  FBD’s distribution strategy leverages direct-to-customer channels including 34 branches nationwide, call centers, and digital platforms. Additionally, partnerships with prominent organizations such as An Post and Bank of Ireland broaden its retail product accessibility.
• Financial Performance:
  The insurer reported a 13% growth in gross written premiums and 10% growth in insurance revenue in 2024, reflecting strong underwriting discipline and growth in new policies. Its solvency capital ratio remains comfortably above regulatory requirements (~197%), ensuring financial resilience amid market and weather uncertainties. Although profit before tax decreased slightly due to increased expense inflation, overall profitability and business fundamentals remain solid.
• Customer Focus:
  Maintaining over 90% retention rates among farmers and business customers demonstrates FBD’s emphasis on longstanding relationships, trust, and personalized service. Its rural expertise and local presence create meaningful competitive advantages in a fragmented and heavily competitive Irish general insurance market valued at around €2.6 billion.

Product and Service Expertise

FBD specializes primarily in:

• Property Insurance: Tailored coverage for farm, commercial, and residential properties, responsive to inflation and climate-related risks.
• Liability Insurance: Employers’, public, and product liability for SMEs and agricultural customers.
• Agri-Business Insurance: Custom products addressing livestock, machinery, farm structures, and associated business risks essential to Ireland’s agricultural sector.
• Motor Insurance: Covering private vehicles as well as agricultural machines with competitive pricing and claims services.
• Business Insurance: Comprehensive packages for SMEs addressing liability, property, cyber risks, and employee benefits.

FBD balances traditional Irish insurance needs with evolving digital services, offering online policy management and claims submission supported by localized branches for face-to-face guidance.

Market Challenges and Opportunities

The Irish non-life insurance market remains intensely competitive, with aggressive pricing pressures from international insurers present alongside FBD’s local dominance. Inflation, weather-related claims, and evolving regulatory demands introduce risks that FBD manages through underwriting discipline and a strong reinsurance program.

Despite these challenges, FBD’s deep market knowledge, broad customer base, and sustained investment in technology position it well for future growth. Innovation in digital customer experience and expanded product offerings, particularly for business and retail segments, represent key growth drivers.

Customer Experience: Reviews and Feedback

The following customer reviews from 2025 highlight diverse real-world experiences with FBD Insurance, reflecting both strengths and areas for improvement aligned with FBD’s strategic priorities:

1. Fast and Convenient Policy Issuance
“The fastest and easiest policy application process I’ve encountered. The website is user-friendly and steps are clear, making purchase straightforward.”
— July 2, 2025

2. Excellent Customer Service and Support
“After insuring with FBD for three months, I experienced impeccable service. Special thanks to Orla Brown, James Dean, and Katie for their professionalism. I feel confident about my choice.”
— Dublin Client, June 2025

3. Competitive Pricing and Value
“Renewing my motor insurance saw premiums even lower than last year. FBD offers some of the best prices in the market.”
— May 29, 2025

4. Payment and Call Handling Issues
“I struggled with payment on the first attempt as my card was rejected, and the support line was busy. Eventually resolved, but the experience was frustrating.”
— July 1, 2025

5. Ease in Policy Renewal but Website Usability Could Improve
“The renewal process was quick and easy overall, though updating information online took some effort. The staff remains very helpful.”
— May 29, 2025

These reviews illustrate FBD’s solid reputation for fast, accessible policies and strong customer relationships, while pointing to the need for continuous improvement in digital tool reliability and customer service availability.

Contact Information

Corporate Headquarters:
FBD Holdings plc
FBD House, Bluebell, Dublin 12, D12 WK04, Ireland

Customer Service:

• General Inquiries: +353 1 409 0900
• Claims Support: +353 1 409 0910

Email: info@fbd.ie
Website: www.fbd.ie

Conclusion

FBD Insurance Ireland is a compelling example of a strong, locally-rooted insurer balancing heritage and modernity in 2025. With solid financial footing, a clear focus on agri-business and SME insurance needs, and a customer-first approach, FBD continues to represent a trusted choice for Irish consumers and businesses alike.

For American industry professionals, FBD’s model underscores the value of deep market knowledge, direct customer engagement, and strategic digital investments in a competitive SME-and-rural-focused insurance landscape. Watching how FBD navigates market challenges and technological evolution offers meaningful insights for insurers targeting specialized regional markets.

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