Two of the largest insurance companies in Ireland are reportedly refusing to cover cars that are 15 years old and older.

Aviva and Allianz will not insure the cars because they say they are more likely to be involved in collisions.

The restriction would affect around 250,000 car owners.

It will also apply even if the vehicle has an up-to-date NCT cert.

But Brendan Nevin, CEO of AA Ireland, says motorists should not panic as other insurers are covering older cars.

"My understanding is that both insurers have said today that they are continuing to cover existing drivers, so this is really an issue for somebody who isn't covered by those two insurers", he told Newstalk Breakfast

He says people still have options in the insurance market.