The Ultimate Guide to Home Insurance in Ireland

What is Home Insurance?

Home insurance is a vital safeguard that protects homeowners from financial losses due to damage, theft, or unforeseen disasters. In Ireland, unpredictable weather, property risks, and the increasing cost of repairs make having the right home insurance policy essential. Whether you own a house, apartment, or investment property, ensuring you have comprehensive cover tailored to your needs is crucial.

A well-structured home insurance policy provides peace of mind, ensuring that you are not left out of pocket should the unexpected occur. However, choosing the wrong policy or failing to review your coverage regularly can leave you underinsured, a growing issue in Ireland today.

Types of Home Insurance Coverage

Understanding the different types of home insurance is essential for selecting the right protection for your property. Home insurance typically falls into two main categories:

1. Buildings Insurance

This covers the structure of your home, including walls, roofs, floors, windows, and permanent fixtures like fitted kitchens and bathrooms. It also includes garages, outbuildings, and driveways. Buildings insurance ensures that, in the event of fire, storm damage, flooding, or structural issues, the cost of rebuilding your home is covered.

2. Contents Insurance

This protects the possessions inside your home, such as furniture, electronics, jewellery, and appliances. If they are damaged, stolen, or destroyed, contents insurance ensures you receive compensation. Policies can be tailored to cover high-value items like fine art, designer furniture, or even wine collections.

3. Combined Home Insurance

Many homeowners opt for a combined buildings and contents insurance policy for comprehensive protection. This approach is often cost-effective and simplifies claims by having one policy covering both aspects.

4. Additional Coverage Options

Many policies offer optional add-ons such as accidental damage cover, personal possessions cover, and home emergency assistance. These extras ensure a broader safety net for unexpected incidents.

How to Choose the Right Home Insurance Policy

Choosing the best home insurance policy requires careful evaluation of coverage, cost, and your property’s unique requirements. Here are the key factors to consider:

1. Assess Your Coverage Needs

Consider the rebuild cost of your home and the value of your belongings. Many homeowners underestimate these amounts, leading to underinsurance. An independent valuation or speaking with a trusted broker can help determine the correct figures.

2. Compare Multiple Policies

Not all policies offer the same level of cover. Some provide new-for-old replacements, while others factor in depreciation. Carefully reviewing policy details and exclusions is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises.

3. Work with an Irish-Based Broker

Local brokers, like Dolmen Insurance, have expert knowledge of the Irish insurance market. They understand unique property needs, local risks, and can negotiate better deals than direct insurers. Rachel McCarthy, a Dolmen Insurance customer, shares her experience:

"My property is 60% flat roof, which made finding the right home insurance  a challenge. Dolmen Insurance, especially Eddie, provided incredible advice and guidance. They not only got me better coverage than I found elsewhere but also at a more competitive price. It’s invaluable to work with an Irish-based broker who understands the market and ensures you get the protection you actually need."

4. Be Aware of Policy Exclusions

Many homeowners assume all risks are covered, only to find out later that certain damages or home features are excluded. Always read the fine print and discuss potential gaps with your broker.

Common Home Insurance Claims and How to Avoid Them

Home insurance claims in Ireland frequently arise from weather-related damage, burglary, and accidental incidents. Here are some of the most common claims and tips to prevent them:

1. Storm and Water Damage

With Ireland’s unpredictable climate, wind and rain damage are frequent causes of claims. To prevent issues:

• Regularly inspect your roof, gutters, and downpipes to avoid leaks.

• Ensure external doors and windows are properly sealed.

• Remove overhanging branches that could damage your roof during storms.

2. Theft and Burglary

Break-ins are a significant concern for homeowners. To reduce your risk:

• Install a monitored alarm system and motion sensor lighting.

• Use smart security cameras and strong locks on doors and windows.

• Avoid sharing holiday plans on social media, which can alert burglars to an empty home.

3. Fire Damage

Fire can cause extensive and costly destruction. Prevent fires by:

• Regularly servicing heating systems and electrical appliances.

• Keeping fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in good working order.

• Never leaving open flames unattended.

Flat Roof Insurance – Are You Properly Covered?

Flat roofs require specialist home insurance due to their increased risk of water pooling and structural wear. Many standard policies exclude or limit coverage for flat-roofed homes. If your home has a flat roof, ensure your insurer fully understands its construction and maintenance history. Click Here to read our blog on flat roof home insurance and what homeowners need to know. Here    

Dolmen Insurance specialises in securing the right flat roof coverage, ensuring you’re not left vulnerable. 

The Epidemic of Underinsurance in Ireland

Many Irish homeowners are underinsured, meaning their policies don’t fully cover the cost of rebuilding their homes or replacing their belongings. With construction costs rising, rebuild values should be reviewed annually.

Warning signs you may be underinsured:

• Your policy’s rebuild cost is based on outdated estimates. Get an estimate of the rebuilding costs of your home here  

• High-value items like art, jewellery, and luxury furniture are not separately listed.

• You haven’t updated your coverage despite significant home renovations.

Non-Standard Home Insurance – Finding the Right Cover

Homes with unique features like thatched roofs, listed buildings, eco-homes, or custom-built extensions require specialist insurance. Standard policies often exclude or limit cover for these properties. Dolmen Insurance can arrange bespoke policies to ensure you’re fully protected.

Securing the right home insurance in Ireland requires careful consideration, expert guidance, and a policy tailored to your unique property. From flat roof insurance to protecting high-value contents, having a specialist broker like Dolmen Insurance ensures you’re not underinsured and have the right level of coverage.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—speak to Dolmen Insurance today to review your current policy and ensure you have the protection you need.

If you are looking for affordable, comprehensive cover, consider Dolmen Insurance. Get in touch today to discuss your car insurance options and explore the benefits of bundling your insurance cover. From Mortgage Protection to Life Insurance, home insurance or car insurance we have you covered.

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