Manage 123.Ie

How to cancel 123.ie insurance from new zealand and understand your refund rights

What is 123.ie and why you might want to cancel

123.ie is an Irish online insurance provider selling motor, home, van, landlord, travel, health and life insurance products entirely through its digital platform. The company operates from Ireland and uses Irish regulatory frameworks, even when serving customers in New Zealand.

You might hold a 123.ie policy if you've lived in Ireland previously, worked for an Irish employer, or purchased cover while travelling. If your circumstances have changed, your cover no longer suits your needs, or you've found a better deal locally, cancelling your policy is straightforward-but the process does require navigating an Ireland-based system from New Zealand.

At Stopee, we understand that cancelling an overseas insurance policy can feel complicated. This guide walks you through exactly how to cancel 123.ie, what refunds you're entitled to, and what happens after you pull the plug.

Products 123.ie offers

123.ie sells seven main insurance categories: car insurance, home insurance, van insurance, landlord insurance, travel insurance, health insurance and life insurance. Each product carries different cooling-off periods and cancellation fee structures, which we'll cover in detail below.

All policies are sold and managed from Ireland, which means cancellation forms, refund cheques, and customer service communications originate from Irish addresses. This doesn't make cancellation harder-just different from cancelling a New Zealand-based insurer.

Why cancelling matters right now

If you've moved to New Zealand permanently or no longer need coverage in Ireland, keeping an active policy wastes money every month. Automatic renewals are common, and 123.ie will continue to charge your payment method until you formally cancel. Taking action now stops unexpected charges and ensures your cover ends on your terms.

Your consumer rights when cancelling 123.ie

Cooling-off periods and your statutory protection

Irish consumer law gives you protection during a cooling-off period for most 123.ie insurance products. This period is typically 14 days from the date you purchase or receive your policy documents-whichever is later. During this window, you can cancel for a full refund without penalty, even if no cooling-off period is mentioned in your policy wording.

For life insurance, the cooling-off period extends to 30 days. If you cancel within this timeframe and have not made a claim, you receive your full premium back.

The key rule: no claim must have been made during the cooling-off period. If you've already claimed, refunds may be reduced or forfeited entirely.

Mid-term cancellation rights and fees

After the cooling-off period ends, you can still cancel anytime-but 123.ie applies cancellation fees and charges you only for the days you were covered. These mid-term fees vary by product type and are set out in your policy documents.

Your statutory rights do not disappear after cooling-off. If 123.ie refuses to cancel or charges unfair fees, you can escalate to the Irish Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) or seek support from Stopee, which has helped thousands of consumers navigate disputes with overseas providers.

Data protection and policy records

After cancellation, 123.ie retains your policy records for the period required by Irish insurance regulations-typically six years. You have the right to request a copy of your policy file or ask for data deletion where the law allows. Submit these requests via customer care alongside your cancellation notice.

How to cancel 123.ie step by step

Online self-service cancellation

The fastest way to cancel is through your 123.ie account on the web. Follow these steps in order:

1. Visit the 123.ie customer care page at 123.ie/customer-care/cancel-policy (or search "123.ie cancel my policy" if the link has moved).
   • Ensure you're on the official 123.ie website, not a third-party aggregator or comparison site.
   • Bookmark this page for future reference.
2. Log in to your 123.ie account using your email address and password.
   • If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password" link and reset it before proceeding.
   • If you cannot access your account online, proceed directly to step 4 (phone or email cancellation).
3. Locate the policy you wish to cancel-you may have multiple policies under one account.
   • Click on the policy name or number to open its details.
   • Look for a "Cancel policy" button, link or menu option. This is usually under "Policy options" or "Manage your policy".
4. Select your cancellation date.
   • You can cancel immediately or choose a future date. The system will tell you whether you're within the cooling-off period.
   • If cancelling within 14 days (or 30 days for life insurance), the system should confirm that you qualify for a full refund.
5. Confirm your cancellation request by clicking the final "Confirm cancellation" button.
   • Take a screenshot of the confirmation page for your records.
   • The system should display a confirmation number or reference code.
6. Check your email for a cancellation confirmation letter within 24 hours.
   • Important: Do not assume cancellation is complete until you receive this email. If it doesn't arrive within a business day, contact customer care to confirm.
   • Print or save this email as proof of your cancellation date.

Phone or email cancellation

If online cancellation is unavailable or you prefer speaking to someone directly, use these methods:

1. Gather your policy number, customer account number, and full name before you start.
   • Your policy number appears on all renewal notices and policy documents.
   • Have your phone number and email address ready too.
2. Call 123.ie customer care on their Irish phone line (check the latest number on 123.ie/contact-us, as phone numbers can change).
   • Note: calls from New Zealand to Ireland are international and will incur charges on your phone plan.
   • Ask to speak to the cancellation team and confirm you want to cancel your entire policy, not just amend it.
3. Provide your policy and customer details, then state your preferred cancellation date clearly.
   • If you're within the cooling-off period, explicitly state "I am requesting cancellation within the cooling-off period and expect a full refund".
   • Ask the agent to confirm whether any fees apply.
4. Request written confirmation of your cancellation by email.
   • Do not hang up until the agent confirms they will email you a cancellation letter.
   • Take note of the agent's name, the time of the call and any reference number given.
5. Email cancellation is also available-send a formal request to the customer care email address listed on 123.ie/contact-us.
   • Write "Policy Cancellation Request" as your subject line.
   • Include your full name, policy number, customer account number and preferred cancellation date.
   • Ask for a written confirmation of cancellation by return email.
   • Send from the email address registered to your account.

App-based cancellation

If you manage your 123.ie account via the Android or iOS app, the cancellation process mirrors the online method. Log in, find your policy, select the cancellation option and confirm your date. App-based cancellations follow the same rules and cooling-off periods as web cancellations-there is no difference in consumer protection.

Pro tip: If the app's cancellation option doesn't work or is grayed out, switch to the web version immediately. Some app versions lag behind the website, and customer care can always complete cancellations that the app cannot process.

Understanding 123.ie refunds and cancellation fees

Cooling-off period refunds by product

If you cancel within the cooling-off window and have not made a claim, you receive the full premium back. Here's what applies to each product:

How mid-term refunds are calculated

Once the cooling-off period closes, your refund (if any) is calculated as a pro-rata amount. This means 123.ie calculates how many days of cover remain unpaid and returns that amount to you, minus any cancellation fee and admin charges.

Example: You cancel a car policy 120 days into a 365-day annual term. You've paid EUR 365 for the year. You owe 120 days of cover at EUR 1 per day (EUR 120), plus a EUR 55 cancellation fee. 123.ie refunds you EUR 365 minus EUR 120 minus EUR 55 = EUR 190.

Direct-debit service fees and payment plan charges are never refunded, even during cooling-off periods. Ask your refund specifically to confirm these are not deducted from your final amount.

How and when you'll receive your refund

Refunds are normally sent back to your original payment method within 14-21 days of cancellation. If you paid by credit card, the refund appears as a credit back to that card. If you set up a direct debit, the refund returns to your nominated bank account.

Warning: Do not cancel your payment method immediately after requesting cancellation. Leave the account open for at least 21 days to allow the refund to process. If the refund cannot be returned to a closed account, 123.ie may delay the payout or require you to supply new banking details.

Contact Stopee if your refund has not arrived within 21 days-we can help you escalate the request to 123.ie's complaints team.

What happens after you cancel 123.ie

Your cover ends and automatic renewal stops

On your specified cancellation date, your insurance cover ends immediately. You are not covered for any incidents, claims or losses that occur after that date. If your car is in an accident on the day after cancellation, 123.ie will not pay-so time your cancellation carefully if you need bridging cover.

All automatic renewals stop once cancellation is processed. However, check your email and payment account for any renewal notices that arrive before the official cancellation date processes. If you're charged for a renewal after cancellation, contact customer care immediately and request a reversal of that charge as a processing error.

Policy documents and insurance disc

For car policies, you are required by law to surrender your physical insurance disc when you cancel (in Ireland, UK and EU jurisdictions). 123.ie will issue instructions on how to return this or may simply confirm via email that retention is no longer needed once cancellation is effective.

Keep digital copies of your cancellation confirmation letter, policy summary and refund reference number. You may need these for tax, audit or compliance purposes, or if you move country again.

Switching to a new zealand insurer

Before your 123.ie cover ends, arrange a replacement policy with a New Zealand-based insurer. This avoids a gap in cover, which can invalidate claims or breach lending conditions if your vehicle is financed. Most New Zealand insurers require proof that your previous cover ended-your cancellation letter serves this purpose perfectly.

Common cancellation mistakes to avoid

Cancelling an overseas policy often catches people out because systems and timelines differ from New Zealand norms. Here are the pitfalls Stopee sees most often:

Mistake 1: not confirming cancellation in writing

Phone calls and chat conversations can be misremembered or lost in translation. Always request a written cancellation confirmation by email. If the agent says "You're all set," ask them to email you proof. Without this documentation, disputes over cancellation dates and refunds become your word against theirs.

Mistake 2: cancelling too late and missing the cooling-off window

The 14-day cooling-off period clock starts from when you receive your policy documents, not when you purchased them. If 123.ie emailed documents on day one but you didn't check your email until day five, you only have nine days left to cancel for a full refund. Count carefully and cancel early if you're unsure.

Mistake 3: assuming automatic renewal has stopped

Cancellation and renewal are separate processes. A cancelled policy does not automatically stop renewal charges if you haven't also cancelled the automatic renewal instruction. Log back into your account after cancellation and verify that no future renewal payments are scheduled. If you see one, contact customer care to remove it explicitly.

Mistake 4: not accounting for currency and international payment delays

Your refund arrives in EUR (Euros) because 123.ie is Irish. When it converts to NZD (New Zealand Dollars), your bank may apply an exchange rate markup, and the entire process takes 21-28 days due to international banking. Budget for this delay and don't expect money in your account within a few days.

Mistake 5: cancelling mid-claim or with an outstanding query

Never cancel a policy while you have an open claim or outstanding question with 123.ie. Cancellation freezes your policy record, and resolving claims becomes much harder afterward. Close all claims first, then cancel.

Stopee's cancellation checklist for 123.ie

Use this checklist to ensure you've done everything correctly and can prove it if a dispute arises:

When to involve stopee or escalate your complaint

Signs you need help

Most 123.ie cancellations complete smoothly, but contact Stopee immediately if:

• 123.ie refuses to cancel your policy or demands payment of an unfair fee;
• Your refund does not arrive within 21 days and customer care won't respond;
• You are charged for a renewal after submitting a cancellation request;
• 123.ie claims you never requested cancellation, despite having proof;
• The company will not explain how your refund was calculated.

Stopee specialises in disputes with overseas providers and knows how to escalate complaints to the Irish Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) if necessary. The FSPO handles cross-border insurance complaints and can compel 123.ie to refund you if they've acted unfairly.

Your consumer rights under irish and EU law

Even though you live in New Zealand, you purchased an Irish insurance product governed by Irish consumer law and EU distance-selling regulations. This actually works in your favour: Irish law is strict about cooling-off rights, automatic renewals and transparent fee disclosure. If 123.ie has breached these rules, you have strong legal grounds to challenge them.

The FSPO is free to use and does not require a lawyer. Stopee can guide you through the complaint process or represent your interests if needed.

123.ie cancellation address and contact information

Where to send written cancellation requests

If you prefer formal postal cancellation (not recommended for speed, but useful for creating an official record), send a letter to 123.ie's Irish address:

123.ie Customer Care
[Customer care address as listed on 123.ie/contact-us]
Ireland

Note: Postal mail from New Zealand to Ireland takes 10-14 working days. Use registered or tracked mail if sending important documents. For faster service, always use online cancellation or phone/email contact instead.

Phone and email support

Visit 123.ie/contact-us for the latest phone number (dialling from New Zealand) and email address. Customer care operates during Irish business hours, so calls from New Zealand are best made early morning New Zealand time to reach someone in Dublin.

Escalation contacts

If 123.ie's customer care team refuses to help, ask to be transferred to the complaints department. Request their complaints procedure and ask for a reference number for your complaint. You can then escalate to:

Irish Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO)
Lincoln House
Lincoln Place
Dublin 2
Ireland

Phone: +353 1 567 7000
Email: info@fspo.ie
Website: fspo.ie

The FSPO accepts complaints from customers of Irish financial services firms, including insurers, regardless of where you live. Complaints are free and usually resolved within 6 months.

When to keep your 123.ie policy and when to cancel

Reasons to cancel immediately

Cancel if you no longer need coverage in Ireland, have moved permanently to New Zealand, or have found a cheaper equivalent product with a New Zealand insurer. The sooner you cancel, the sooner you stop paying for protection you don't use.

Cancel within the cooling-off period (14 days for most products, 30 days for life insurance) if you've changed your mind about the product or realised it doesn't suit your needs. You'll recover your full premium with no penalty.

Reasons to keep your 123.ie policy

Keep your 123.ie policy if you own property in Ireland, travel to Ireland regularly and need EU-wide cover, or are required to maintain Irish insurance by a lender or employer. 123.ie policies are valid throughout the EU and some countries beyond, so they may provide better value than buying separate cover for each journey.

Keep it if you're still within the cooling-off period and genuinely unsure. You can cancel free of charge anytime within this window if circumstances change.

Final thoughts: you're in control of your cancellation

Cancelling 123.ie from New Zealand is a straightforward process if you follow the steps above and keep clear records. You have strong consumer protections under Irish law, and the cooling-off period gives you a genuine safety net to change your mind without penalty.

The key is action: do not delay, do not assume, and do request written confirmation at every step. Within 21 days of submission, your cover will end and your refund will begin its journey back to your bank account.

If you hit any obstacles-whether 123.ie refuses to cooperate, your refund stalls, or you need advice on your rights-Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel overseas insurance policies and navigate disputes with international providers. We're here to ensure you get your refund and that your cancellation actually sticks.

Visit Stopee.com today to see if we can assist with your 123.ie cancellation or any other subscription or service complaint. You deserve clarity, transparency and fair treatment-no matter where the company is based.