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House Insurance in Ireland: Frequently Asked Questions

• What is house insurance?

  House insurance, also known as property insurance, protects your home and its contents in the event of a fire, storm, burglary or another type of disaster. Most policies also cover liability in case someone is injured on your property.

   

• How much does house insurance cost?

  The cost of house insurance varies depending on where you live, the size and age of your home, and the types of coverage you choose. On average, homeowners pay about $700 per year for coverage.

• Can I choose my own insurance company?

  You are not required to purchase house insurance from the same company that holds your auto policy. In fact, it's often a good idea to shop around and compare rates from several different insurers.

• What should I do if I have a claim?

  If something happens that requires you to file a claim, contact your insurer as soon as possible. Be sure to have all pertinent information handy, including the date and cause of the loss, police reports (if applicable), receipts for any repairs or replacements, and contact information for witnesses. Your insurer will take it from there.

• What should I do if my home is damaged?

  The best thing you can do after a loss to your house is to contact your insurer as soon as possible. Every situation varies, but most homeowners are covered for the costs associated with making repairs or replacements. If there's any question about whether you're adequately insured against damage from a specific incident, don't hesitate to reach out and ask questions before committing yourself financially. Your insurance agent will be able to help guide you through this process.

   

  Just keep in mind that each time something happens at your property that requires filing an insurance claim, it could affect future premiums - so always try to file claims sparingly! You may want to consider raising deductibles on certain losses (e.g., natural disasters, home burglaries) if the possibility of frequent claims concerns you.

   

• Do I have to file a claim after my house burns down?

  In some cases, yes. Suppose your insurer suspects arson or any other type of fraud (e.g., filing a false police report). In that case, they may require that any applicable claims be filed and resolved before issuing new coverage for another property in your name. This is known as a "prior acts" clause - read all policy documents carefully so that you know what's required in case something happens at your property! What is an endorsement? Endorsements are add-on clauses that expand upon existing policies by offering additional coverages such as earthquake insurance (earthquake endorsements often come with a separate deductible).

• What should I do if my house is robbed?

  The first thing you'll want to do after your home has been robbed is filing a police report with local authorities - this can help speed up an insurance claims process later on by providing documentation that proves when exactly certain events occurred. Once everything's filed correctly with law enforcement officials and also your insurer, they may offer a cash advance payment to help you cover some of your immediate expenses.

   

  Keep in mind that most homeowners' policies do not cover the total cost of stolen items, so you may need to reach out to your insurance agent for more information about specific coverage limits and whether or not you're covered against theft. How much will my premiums go up if I file a claim?

   

  The short answer: it depends. Each time you file a claim with your insurer, your policy's claims history goes on. Filing too many claims in a short period of time could lead to increased premiums (or even cancellation) when it comes time to renew your policy. That's why it's essential to weigh all the pros and cons before deciding whether or not to make a claim - sometimes, it's better to pay out-of-pocket for smaller losses.

   

• Is there anything else I should know?

  House insurance can be a complicated beast, but it's important to have some coverage in case something happens to your home. Make sure you're familiar with all the different types of policies available (e.g., standard homeowners', renters', condo) and their respective coverages. Don't hesitate to ask your insurer or agent any questions you may have about filing claims or premiums. As always, shop around for the best deal before buying!