Shareholders in insurance company FBD are in lined for a special dividend worth 75c per ordinary share later this year totalling €26.9m.

The company made the announcement in its half-year report for 2026, in which it reported profit before tax of €43m.

Insurance revenues increased 7.6% year-on-year to €253.1m compared to the first half of 2025, with gross written premium up €9m.

“Overall average premiums increased by 3.4% compared to the same period last year, comprising a 2.5% increase relating to increased liability and property coverage. Private motor average premium increased by 1.8%, reflecting inflationary pressures.

“Farm and home average premiums increased by 7.0% and 5.0%, respectively, reflecting indexation applied to property sums insured and increased coverage requirements,” the insurer said.

Claims

Net of reinsurance, weather experience to date in 2026 was more favourable compared with the previous year, which included the significant weather events of January 2025 with a net cost to FBD of €30.8m.

Motor accidental damage claim severity increased during the first half of 2026, with a higher incidence of vehicle write-offs. FBD said this was driven by the growing prevalence of advanced vehicle technologies and increasingly complex repair methodologies.

In addition, the first half of 2026 saw a higher proportion of injury claim settlements resolved at Circuit Court level.

“We have also seen a reduction in pre-litigation costs. Together, these factors are contributing to signs of stabilisation in average injury settlement costs compared with full year 2025. Large injury claims, defined as a value greater than €250,000, notified to date in 2026 are higher than the average over the past 10 years,” it added.