Step 1: Understand What Home Insurance Actually Covers
Choosing home insurance in Ireland isn’t just about finding the cheapest premium. Many homeowners discover too late that they’re underinsured, not covered for key risks, or stuck with policies that don’t suit their property.
This guide explains how to choose the right home insurance for your situation, what to watch out for, and how to avoid the most common mistakes — so you can protect your home properly and with confidence.
Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Cover (Buildings, Contents or Both?)
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.
Step 3: How to Choose the Right Home Insurance Policy in Ireland
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 Mistakes When Buying Home Insurance in Ireland
Many homeowners only realise something is wrong with their home insurance when they try to make a claim. Unfortunately, by that point it’s often too late. Here are some of the most common and costly mistakes people make when arranging home insurance in Ireland — and how to avoid them.
Underinsuring the Rebuild Cost of Your Home
One of the most widespread problems in Ireland is underinsurance. This happens when your home is insured for less than it would actually cost to rebuild. With construction costs rising, many policies are based on outdated or inaccurate figures. If your home is underinsured, your insurer may only pay out part of a claim, even if the damage is total. Your rebuild cost should be reviewed regularly and updated when you renovate or extend your property.
Choosing the Cheapest Policy Instead of the Right One
While it’s tempting to focus on the cheapest premium, the lowest price often comes with reduced cover, higher excesses, or important exclusions. A cheap policy can end up being very expensive if it doesn’t cover the type of claim you need to make. Good home insurance is about value and protection, not just price.
Not Declaring Important Property Features
Features such as flat roofs, solid fuel stoves, thatched roofs, or non-standard construction must be declared to your insurer. If these are not disclosed, your policy could be restricted or, in some cases, a claim could be refused. Always make sure your insurer fully understands the construction and features of your home.
Not Specifying High-Value Items
Many standard policies have limits on valuables such as jewellery, watches, art, or high-end electronics. If these items are not listed separately and insured correctly, you may not receive their full value if they are stolen or damaged. It’s important to review your contents cover and list any high-value items individually where required.
Forgetting to Review Your Policy Each Year
Your home, belongings, and circumstances change over time — but many people leave their insurance untouched for years. Renovations, new purchases, rising rebuild costs, or changes in risk can all leave you underinsured without realising it. Reviewing your policy annually ensures your cover stays accurate and appropriate.
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.
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.
Choosing the right home insurance in Ireland isn’t something you should rush or guess. The right policy depends on your home, your location, your rebuild cost, and your personal circumstances.
If you’d like expert advice or want to review your current cover, speak to Dolmen Insurance or get a quote for home insurance in Ireland here.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for general guidance and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, Dolmen Insurance Brokers Ltd accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or changes in legislation. Insurance policies and cover requirements may vary based on individual business needs and circumstances. This blog does not constitute legal, financial, or insurance advice. Readers should consult a qualified insurance broker or advisor to obtain advice specific to their situation. Dolmen Insurance Brokers Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
