Anyone who’s shopped for car insurance in Ireland knows the drill: endless tabs, confusing quotes, and the nagging feeling you’re missing a better deal. Gallivan Murphy Insurance Brokers (GMIB) offers a different approach—personal service backed by quotes from over 17 insurers, all from its base in Killarney, Co. Kerry. This guide covers who owns the firm, how it compares to Ireland’s biggest brokers, and practical ways to save on premiums.
Insurers Compared: 17+ · Head Office: Killarney Business Centre, Upper High Street, Killarney, Co. Kerry · Phone: 064 6634632
Quick snapshot
- GMIB was founded in 1989 (The Irish Times – Irish business daily)
- Head office in Killarney, Co. Kerry (GMIB.ie – company website)
- Compares over 17 insurers (GMIB.ie – company website) (The Irish Times – Irish business daily)
- Exact founding date (month) not public
- Detailed ownership structure before 2022 acquisition
- Customer review scores vary across platforms
- 1989: Company founded (The Irish Times – Irish business daily)
- 2022: Acquired by AssuredPartners for >€100m (The Irish Times – Irish business daily)
- Planned workforce growth from 85 to 250 over 3–5 years (The Irish Times – Irish business daily)
- Integration into AssuredPartners’ global network
Six facts capture the essentials of GMIB:
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Gallivan Murphy Insurance Brokers Ltd |
| Trading As | GMIB.ie |
| Location | Killarney, Co. Kerry |
| Phone | 064 6634632 |
| Website | https://www.gmib.ie |
| Insurers Compared | 17+ |
Who owns Gallivan Murphy insurance?
Company history and ownership structure
- Founded in 1989 by Tadgh Gallivan, Simon Gallivan, and Denis Murphy (The Irish Times – Irish business daily)
- Tadgh Gallivan served as chairman and was a third owner (The Irish Times – Irish business daily)
- In 2022, GMIB agreed to be acquired by AssuredPartners, a US private equity-backed group controlled by GTCR (The Irish Times – Irish business daily)
- Simon Gallivan and Denis Murphy continued leading the company post-acquisition (The Irish Times – Irish business daily)
A closer look at GMIB’s operational specs:
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Killarney, Co. Kerry |
| Phone | 064 6634632 |
| Website | https://www.gmib.ie |
| Insurers Compared | 17+ |
| Workforce (2022) | 85 |
| Planned workforce | 250 (within 3–5 years) |
| Annual premium written | €60m (at time of acquisition) |
| Owner (current) | AssuredPartners (owned by GTCR) |
GMIB’s ownership story is well-documented, but the true control now sits in Chicago with GTCR. For local customers, the day-to-day service remains under the same Kerry leadership—at least for now.
The implication: Local customers still deal with the same team, but long-term strategic decisions now route through a US private-equity parent.
Contact details and customer reviews
- Address: Killarney Business Centre, Upper High Street, Killarney, Co. Kerry (GMIB.ie – company website)
- Phone: 064 6634632 (GMIB.ie – company website)
- Customer reviews on Glassdoor cite concerns about management and culture (reported by employees)
- On Indeed, average pay for an Insurance Broker is reportedly €28,595 per year
- TradersUnion gives a trust index of 3.8/5 based on user reviews
While the ownership and contact details are solid, independent review data is thin and comes with the usual caution about sample size.
Who is the biggest insurance broker in Ireland?
Top insurance brokers in Ireland
- The Irish broker market is consolidating, with GMIB being acquired by AssuredPartners as a notable example (The Irish Times – Irish business daily)
- Other major players include Arachas (now part of Acrisure) and Willis Towers Watson Ireland
Global top 5 insurance brokers
- Marsh, Aon, Willis Towers Watson, Arthur J. Gallagher, and Hub International rank as the world’s largest brokers (Wikipedia – list of largest insurance brokers)
Top insurance companies worldwide
- Allianz, AXA, and Berkshire Hathaway are among the top insurers by premium volume (Wikipedia – list of largest insurance companies)
Three types of intermediaries, three approaches:
| Feature | GMIB | Willis Towers Watson Ireland | Chill Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Independent broker | Global broker | Online comparison site |
| Headquarters | Killarney, Co. Kerry | Dublin | Dublin |
| Insurers compared | 17+ | Full market (corporate focus) | Majority of market |
| Known for | Personal service, instant quotes | Corporate and employee benefits | Self-service price comparison |
| Target audience | Personal and small commercial | Large corporate clients | Direct consumers |
Sources: GMIB.ie – company website, Willis Towers Watson Ireland website, Chill.ie.
The pattern: Local brokers like GMIB focus on personal relationships; global players serve corporate clients; comparison sites offer self-service speed. Each fills a distinct niche.
How to get cheaper car insurance in Ireland?
Compare multiple insurance quotes
- Use a broker like GMIB that compares over 17 insurers to see all options (GMIB.ie – company website)
- Alternatively, use comparison sites such as Chill Insurance or 123.ie
- The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission advises shopping around for the best price
Adjust coverage types to lower premiums
- Increase voluntary excess to reduce premium
- Remove optional extras like breakdown cover or legal protection
- Park your car in a garage or off-street to lower risk rating
Take advantage of broker services like GMIB
- Brokers can access deals not available directly (GMIB.ie – company website)
- They handle paperwork and claims support
- GMIB’s online quote system gives instant results
Using a broker like GMIB can save time and potentially money—provided their panel of 17+ insurers includes your best-fit provider. Always cross-check with a comparison site.
The trade-off: The more you tailor your policy, the more you might save—but underinsuring carries its own risk.
What are the risks of using a broker?
Potential disadvantages of using insurance brokers
- Brokers may have limited provider panels—they can only compare the insurers they partner with
- Some brokers charge service fees, reducing the savings from a cheaper quote
- Independent research (e.g., TradersUnion) shows mixed review scores—GMIB’s trust index is 3.8/5, meaning not every customer is fully satisfied
- Employee reviews on Glassdoor mention management issues—service quality may vary by advisor
How to mitigate risks when choosing a broker
- Ask for a full list of insurers they represent before committing
- Confirm any fees in writing
- Read independent reviews on platforms like Trustpilot or TradersUnion
- Compare quotes from a direct insurer or comparison site as a benchmark
Upsides
- Access to multiple quotes from one call
- Expert advice on policy terms
- Claims assistance
Downsides
- Limited to the broker’s panel
- Potential fees
- Variable service quality (per Glassdoor reviews)
The catch: A broker can save you money if they have the right insurer on their panel—but you give up the freedom to explore every option yourself.
What insurance company is the most expensive?
Factors that make car insurance expensive
- Young drivers (under 25) and new drivers face the highest premiums
- Urban postcodes, especially in Dublin, lead to higher rates
- Poor claims history or penalty points increase costs
- According to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, shopping around is the most effective way to avoid overpaying
Most expensive car insurance companies in the US (MarketWatch)
- MarketWatch analysis lists several US insurers as consistently expensive for high-risk profiles
- In Ireland, costs vary widely by individual risk, making direct comparisons difficult
How to avoid expensive policies
- Compare quotes from multiple sources—GMIB includes 17+ insurers (GMIB.ie – company website)
- Increase your excess
- Consider telematics (black box) insurance
- Maintain a clean driving record
The pattern: No single insurer is universally the most expensive—your profile determines the price. A broker like GMIB can help you avoid the worst deals by casting a wide net.
Timeline
- 1989: Gallivan Murphy Insurance Brokers founded in Killarney (The Irish Times – Irish business daily)
- 2022: AssuredPartners acquires GMIB for over €100 million (The Irish Times – Irish business daily)
- 2022 onward: Expected workforce growth to 250 within 5 years
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- GMIB was founded in 1989
- Head office in Killarney Business Centre, Co. Kerry
- Phone: 064 6634632
- Compares over 17 insurers
- Acquired by AssuredPartners in 2022 for >€100m
- Tadgh Gallivan, Simon Gallivan, Denis Murphy are the original owners
What’s unclear
- Exact ownership percentages before acquisition
- Customer review scores (limited sample sizes)
- Details of service fees (if any)
Quotes
“GMIB compares quotes from over 17 insurers and brokers to find the best instant insurance quote in Ireland for car or home insurance.”
“The deal is believed to be worth more than €100 million and marks another consolidation in the Irish broker market.”
The Irish Times – Irish business daily
Summary
Gallivan Murphy Insurance Brokers have carved out a solid reputation in the Irish market by combining local service with a broad insurer panel. Their acquisition by AssuredPartners signals confidence in that model, but also brings the market reality of consolidation. For Irish car owners looking to save, the recommendation is clear: use a broker like GMIB to widen your options, but always cross-check with a direct comparison site. The trade-off between convenience and control is one you’ll have to make yourself.
For drivers looking to save on premiums, comparing car insurance brokers in Ireland can help identify the best deals alongside established firms like Gallivan Murphy Insurance Brokers.
Frequently asked questions
What types of insurance does Gallivan Murphy offer?
GMIB offers car, home, van, and commercial insurance through its online quote system (GMIB.ie – company website).
Is GMIB available for commercial insurance?
Yes, GMIB provides quotes for commercial insurance, including van and business policies (GMIB.ie – company website).
How do I get a quote from Gallivan Murphy?
You can get an instant quote online at gmib.ie or call 064 6634632.
Does Gallivan Murphy have an office in Dublin?
No, the only office is in Killarney, Co. Kerry. Quotes are handled online and by phone.
Are there any fees for using GMIB services?
GMIB’s website does not explicitly disclose fees; customers should ask during the quote process.
How long has GMIB been in business?
GMIB was founded in 1989, giving it over 35 years of experience (The Irish Times – Irish business daily).
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