Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC)

Most commonly known as Pension top-ups, AVCs allow you to boost your pension savings beyond mandatory contributions, enhancing retirement income and securing a more comfortable financial future.

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What is an AVC?

Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) are tax-efficient extra payments you can make in addition to your existing pension. Whether you started your pension later in life, or have extra cash to put away, an AVC is a pension option for you. When you retire, you can use the money you invested into an AVC to buy additional pension benefits you want.

What are the advantages of AVCs?

Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) are discretionary payments individuals can make to supplement their pension savings beyond regular contributions to workplace or personal pension schemes. AVCs offer flexibility, allowing individuals to enhance their pension pot by contributing additional funds, providing financial security for retirement. These contributions are voluntary, empowering individuals to decide the amount and frequency of payments based on their financial situation. Moreover, AVCs may offer tax efficiency, potentially reducing overall tax liability through qualifying contributions. This flexibility and potential for increased retirement income make AVCs valuable for optimizing pension planning and ensuring a comfortable retirement.

With AVCs, you have control over your investment, enabling you to adjust contributions according to your evolving needs. Whether increasing, decreasing, stopping, or restarting contributions, this adaptability ensures your investments align with changing priorities. Eligibility for an AVC Plan typically arises upon becoming a member of your employer’s Superannuation Scheme, with contributions subject to Revenue-set limits and a minimum monthly contribution of €75 (or equivalent).

Tax Relief

Investing in an AVC allows you to benefit from tax relief on your investments,  For example: If your marginal rate of tax is 40% and you invest €100, the actual cost to you is €60 as you get 40% (€40) in tax relief. This makes it much more tax efficient compared to a savings account as you can also maximise your tax-free lump sum on retirement.

Retire Early

Every investment you make into your AVC will grow your Pension fund, gaining you closer to your ideal estimated fund value. Meaning you could be retiring sooner than you think. The state pension retirement age is ever increasing, why not personally take control of when you retire?

Flexibility

flexibility to modify your Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) at your discretion. You can increase, decrease, stop, or restart your AVC contributions as needed. This adaptability allows you to align your pension strategy with changing financial circumstances, ensuring that you have control over the level of contributions based on your preferences, life events, or evolving priorities. 

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LowQuotes.ie
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Ritchel P.
Ritchel P.
I recently had the pleasure of dealing with Neil of LowQuotes.ie for our Mortgage Protection insurance. Everything was straightforward and he made sure that he answers all my questions. He made sure that we get a cover in all aspects without being too pushy so he provided us with options that we can consider. In the end, we still got a good cover that’s within our budget. He was very knowledgeable and made this insurance hunting for us like a walk in the park.
Theresa V.
Theresa V.
We would just like to show our appreciation for the brilliant service & advise from Aoife Morgan.We are extremely happy with all that Aoife had to offer us i.e. the best quotations and available options.We are delighted with our choice, by getting all additional information needed, speedy feedback & all the value added from Aoife.Aoife are highly recommended, especially regarding her competency, efficiency & excellent communication skills.Thanks you very much & much appreciated.Theresa & Aubrey Staples
Response from the owner: Hey Theresa & Aubrey,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Aoife Morgan. It’s great to know she was able to provide the best quotations, clear advice, and quick feedback to help you make the right choice. We really appreciate you highlighting her competency, efficiency, and excellent communication. That’s exactly the standard we aim for every time.If you ever need anything else or have any questions in the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Rishi R.
Rishi R.
I had the pleasure of dealing with Aoife Morgan regarding my life insurance, and I can confidently say she made the entire experience smooth, honest, and reassuring.She was incredibly patient throughout the process — never rushed me, always listened, and helped me understand all the options available. She guided me toward a life insurance plan that fits my budget, yet still gives my family solid protection for the future.Aoife also offered genuine advice and took the time to answer all my questions, even when I was unsure or needed clarity more than once.I truly appreciated her professionalism, kindness, and calm approach. I wish her continued success and prosperity — and would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for insurance advice or support. She’s a real credit to her team and clients.Thank you, Aoife.
Response from the owner: Hey Rishi,We’re thrilled to read your thoughtful review, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with Aoife Morgan. It’s fantastic to hear how her patience, clear advice, and genuine care made arranging your life insurance smooth and reassuring.We’re especially glad you felt fully informed and supported every step of the way, that’s exactly the standard we strive for. We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to Aoife, she’ll be delighted!If you ever need any further help or advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Joan S.
Joan S.
I found Shaun to be very helpful in answering all my questions and explaining everything to me.
Response from the owner: Hey Joan,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Shaun. It’s great to know he was able to answer all your questions and explain everything clearly. We aim to make the process as smooth and understandable as possible, so your feedback means a lot to us! If you have any further questions or need assistance in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Wesley S.
Wesley S.
Bernadine was exceptionally helpful. She provided guidance and support at every stage of our mortgage application. I've already recommended her to friends and family, and would highly suggest anyone looking for a new mortgage, or to change an existing mortgage, reach out to Lowquotes.
Response from the owner: Hey Wesley,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Bernadine. It’s great to know she was able to guide and support you through every stage of your mortgage application. We really appreciate you recommending us to your friends and family — that means a lot! If you ever need any further assistance or have questions in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
James K.
James K.
Aoife guided us all the way. Very informative along with her sunny disposition even though we were discussing life (death) cover. Will check in with her again when we need other cover.
Response from the owner: Hey James,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Aoife. It’s great to know she guided you so well and made the process informative and pleasant, even when discussing something as serious as life cover. We really appreciate your trust and look forward to helping you again when you need other cover in the future.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Aoife O.
Aoife O.
Niamh was very helpful and efficient. Made the whole process easier than expected and answered all questions thoroughly.
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Caitlin C.
Caitlin C.
Colin was helpful, friendly, knowledgeable and professional. He made the process of applying for life insurance which I've been avoiding for months, a very simple, painless experience. I highly recommend asking for Colin if you're seeking similar cover.
Response from the owner: Hey Caitlin,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Colin. It’s great to know he was able to explain everything clearly and make the process of applying for life insurance simple and stress-free. That’s exactly the kind of service we aim to provide!Thanks so much for your kind words and for recommending us—if you need anything else down the line, don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Charlena M.
Charlena M.
Colin was lovely to work with. Made the process very easy
Response from the owner: Hey Charlena,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Colin. It’s great to know he made the process easy and enjoyable for you. That’s exactly what we strive for at LowQuotes!Thanks for taking the time to leave a review—if you ever need anything else, we’re just a call away.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Kirstie F.
Kirstie F.
There’s truly not enough words to describe how positive our experience was with Aoife. Getting into the discussion of life insurance, mortgage protection etc can be so daunting as a young couple, but having someone like Aoife talk us through and explain everything so throughly made that experience so much easier and comfortable. Her knowledge on these areas for someone of her age especially is outstanding and while covering sensitive subjects or situations she could not have been more reassuring or comforting. If I could give a 100 stars I would!
Response from the owner: Hey Kirstie,We’re absolutely thrilled to hear about your experience with Aoife. Navigating life insurance and mortgage protection can definitely feel overwhelming, especially as a young couple, so we’re delighted she was able to make the process clear, comfortable, and reassuring for you both.Aoife is a real asset to our team, and your kind words mean a lot—we’ll be sure to pass them on! If you ever need anything in the future, we’re always here to help.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Jekaterina M.
Jekaterina M.
Absolutely amazing to have such a professional person as Aoiphe!!!!Fantastic job!!!
Response from the owner: Hey Jekaterina,We’re so pleased to hear about your experience with Aoife! She truly is a fantastic part of our team, and it’s great to know her professionalism made such a positive impression.Thanks so much for the lovely review—if we can help with anything else, just let us know.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
nicole B.
nicole B.
We had a fantastic experience working with Neil. From the very beginning he was incredibly helpful, patient, and knowledgeable. All the information out there was very overwhelming, but Neil took the time to walk us through every step of the process, explaining all the details in a way that was easy to understand.What truly stood out was his genuine care and commitment to finding the best coverage for our needs and answered all our questions promptly and made sure we felt confident and informed before making any decisions. Neil's professionalism and friendly approach made the whole experience smooth and stress-free.We’re delighted with the service and would highly recommend Low Quotes to anyone looking for trustworthy advice and insurance and a reasonable price.
Response from the owner: Hey Nicole,We’re thrilled to hear about your fantastic experience with Neil! It’s great to know he was helpful, patient, and made everything easier to understand during what can often feel like an overwhelming process.Neil’s commitment to finding the best coverage and ensuring you felt confident and informed is exactly what we strive for at LowQuotes. We’re so glad he could provide that level of care and professionalism.Thanks so much for the lovely recommendation—if you ever need anything in the future, we’re just a message away.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Sean M.
Sean M.
Could not recommend enough!!Neil, who we dealt with made the whole process so simple and easy to understand.
Response from the owner: Hey Sean,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Neil. It’s great to know he was able to explain everything clearly and make the process simple and stress-free. We aim to make everything as smooth and understandable as possible, so your feedback means a lot to us!If you have any further questions or need assistance in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Luke
Luke
Craig was great to deal with throughout the process
Response from the owner: Hey Luke,We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience with Craig. It’s great to know he made the process smooth and easy for you. We always aim to provide a straightforward and helpful service, so your feedback is very much appreciated!If you have any questions down the line or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
Allan H.
Allan H.
The service from Aoife at Lowquotes was exceptional and very thoroughI was kept informed at all times during the telephone application regarding progress and all the relevant financial facts. The entire process was made very easy and stress free - thank you so very muchBest wishesAllan HarrisGP West Cork
Response from the owner: Hey Allan,We’re so pleased to hear about your exceptional experience with Aoife. It’s great to know she kept you informed throughout the process and made everything easy and stress-free. Providing clear, thorough support is exactly what we aim for, so your kind words mean a lot.Thanks again for taking the time to share your feedback—wishing you all the best!Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
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5 starsBernadine Day, you are always eager to help. Your service is impeccable!You were recommended by a friend and you didn’t fail. You delivered,above my expectations .Thank you Bernadine,Thank you LowQuotes.-Adetutu
Response from the owner: Hey Adetutu,We’re so glad to hear about your 5-star experience with Bernadine! It’s fantastic to know she exceeded your expectations and delivered such impeccable service. We’re proud to have her on the team, and we’ll be sure to pass along your kind words.Thank you for the lovely feedback and for trusting LowQuotes—we’re always here if you need anything!Best Regards,LowQuotes Team
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What are my investment options?

This is entirely your own choice and dependent on your risk profile, it is usually invested in a range of unit linked funds. You’ll have access to a wide range of different assets with varying degrees of risk, so you’ll be sure to find a solution that works for you.

Retirement options with AVCs.

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Your Questions Answered

We’re living longer than previous generations. Upon retirement, on average we will have 20-30 years of retirement. A pension plan will make sure you’re financially sound for these years. Whether you wish to travel, retire to the country, or spend time with your children & grandchildren.

The amount you will receive per month entirely depends on how much you’re willing to pay per month, the length of time you’ve been making contributions, the type of pension plan and its investment return. You can also choose to receive a lump sum upon retirement or not.

As of today, the State Contributory Pension is about €240 per week. For most people, during their 20-30 years of retirement, this simply isn’t enough. When you pay into a pension plan, you will receive both the state pension (If available to you) and your Pension Plan.

Tax relief reduces the actual cost of your pension. You do not have to pay tax on money that you put into a personal pension (This falls within the limits set out below). This is calculated at the highest rate of tax you pay (Currently 20% / 40%)

Example:
Monthly contribution = €100
Tax Relief (40%) = €40
Cost to you = €60

Warning: Past performance is not a reliable guide to future performance.      

Warning: The value of your investment may go down and up.      

Warning: If you invest in this product, you will not have any access to your money until you retire.   

Warning: If you invest in this product, you may lose some or all of your investment.     

Warning: This product may be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. 

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We would like to assure our customers that although this Worldwide Pandemic has struck our Nation hard, we are still here for our new and existing customers. All phone calls and emails will be dealt with accordingly.

In the unfortunate circumstance that a customer contracts COVID-19 and dies, our life policies would pay out in line with our usual claims philosophy.

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