Home insurance can feel confusing, with different policies, rules, and terms from every insurer. Jonathan Hehir, Director of Insure My House, recently appeared on Newstalk’s Lunchtime Live. He shared practical advice for homeowners navigating the tricky world of insurance. Here are some of the most common questions he addressed. 

 

Q: Does house insurance cover the materials or the work being done? 

A: It depends on your project. For a self-build, a specific self-build policy will cover materials, work completed, and any injuries on site. If you’re hiring a contractor to manage the job, standard buildings insurance usually covers materials and completed work, as well as liability while the work is ongoing. 

 

Q: Do I need insurance before drawing down a mortgage? 

A: Yes. Banks usually require insurance to be in place before releasing funds. If you’re starting a project without a mortgage, it’s still essential to get insurance before work begins. Waiting until halfway through can make it much harder to secure coverage. 

 

Q: Will replacing my alarm with a doorbell camera or CCTV affect my insurance?

A: If your policy gives you a discount for having an alarm, you must keep it operational. Devices like doorbell cameras are helpful but do not act as full alarms, so disabling a monitored alarm could affect claims eligibility. 

 

Q: Can I rent out a room in my home? 

A: Yes, but always notify your insurer. Most policies allow a student or single tenant without extra cost. Contents belonging to the tenant may need separate coverage. If you plan to rent multiple rooms or run a home business, your broker can help find the right policy and advise on public liability coverage. 

 

Q: How do claims affect my premium? 

A: Home policies now often have a no-claims discount (often up to 30%), similar to car insurance. A claim will reduce your discount for a few years, but it won’t permanently increase your premium. 

 

Q: Are sheds and outbuildings covered by my insurance? 

A: Yes. Most insurance policies cover sheds and other outbuildings as part of your property. Contents inside these structures are usually covered up to a certain limit (commonly around €1,000) but
this can vary by insurer. Always check your policy or ask your broker to confirm the exact coverage. 

 

Q: Can I insure valuables like hearing aids or expensive jewellery? 

A: Yes, but these items often need to be specifically listed on your policy for full cover. Around 80% of large insurers in Ireland don’t cover hearing aids, but there are a few who still do, usually for an additional premium. Coverage typically applies both inside your home and while away.  

Jewellery like engagement rings usually requires a valuation if it’s over €3,000–€5,000. Your broker can help you find the right insurer to protect your valuable items. 

 

Q: Can I run a business from home without affecting my insurance? 

A: It depends on the type of business and whether clients visit your home.  

No visitors: If all work is done remotely and no clients or members of the public come to your house, most insurers won’t have an issue. 

Visitors at home: If people visit your property (such as an architect meeting clients, a nail tech, or a beautician) you’ll likely need extra cover. This usually means adding public liability insurance to protect against accidents or injuries on your property. 

A broker can help you find the right insurer and policy to cover small home-based businesses safely and effectively.

 

Q: Can I get insurance for a very old or non-standard property?

A: Yes, but older homes or non-standard constructions can be more challenging to insure. A lot of insurers will ask for proof of major renovations, such as re-roofing, re-plumbing, or re-wiring within the last 15 years. 

If your home doesn’t fit the standard criteria, a broker can help. Some insurers specialise in non-standard or older properties and can provide coverage even when larger, mainstream insurers won’t. Give us a call to explore your options. 

 

Q: What about renovations or unoccupied homes? 

A: Always inform your insurer before starting renovations. If the home is unoccupied for more than 30 days, cover may be reduced to fire and liability only. Keeping communication open ensures your policy protects you throughout any changes. 

 

Q: Do I still need insurance if a house is in probate? 

A: Yes. If the property is going through probate, the policy should be updated to reflect the “estate of the late”.  

If someone is living in the house: Maintain full cover for buildings and contents. 

If the house is unoccupied: Keep building insurance, but contents may not be fully covered for theft – remove valuables where possible. 

Keeping the property insured ensures it’s protected throughout the probate process. 

Remember, insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. From everyday coverage to unique situations, working with a knowledgeable broker can provide peace of mind, ensure your home and contents are protected, and guide you through claims when they arise. 

At Insure My House, we’re here to help you navigate the details, protect your home, and make insurance simple, so you can focus on living in it.