Home insurance is something every homeowner or renter should consider. Whether you’ve just bought your first home, are renting, or are reviewing your policy, it’s important to consider your coverage.

Jonathan Hehir, Managing Director of Insure My House, joined the Ask the Expert segment on Newstalk FM's Lunchtime Live. During the interview with Andrea Gilligan, he answered listener questions about home insurance.

🎧 You can listen to the full interview here: Ask the Expert: Home Insurance on Newstalk

 

Why Everyone Needs Home Insurance

Jonathan began by reminding listeners that home insurance isn't just for people with mortgages. Anyone who owns possessions like furniture, electronics, jewellery, or bikes should consider coverage. Renters, for example, often assume their landlord’s insurance protects their belongings. But this isn't the case; it only covers the building itself. Contents insurance protects personal items and provides peace of mind for the things that make a house a home. 

 

Buildings vs. Contents Cover: What’s the Difference?

Many people don’t realise that home insurance can be tailored to suit your specific needs. As Jonathan explained, buildings insurance covers the structure of your home. This includes things like the walls, roof, and permanent fixtures. Contents insurance, on the other hand, covers everything inside, from your TV to your kitchen appliances.

He suggested taking a walk around each room and estimating what it would cost to replace your belongings as new. This ensures your policy reflects their true replacement value, not their current age or condition. 

 

Insuring High-Value Items

Listeners also asked about specific valuables, such as engagement rings and bicycles. Jonathan noted that most insurers cover standard items. However, high-value possessions may need to be added individually to your policy.

For example, if you have a €5,000 road bike or a valuable piece of jewellery, it’s best to contact your insurer or broker for advice. Some insurers have limits on what they will cover automatically. High-value items might need to be specified separately, particularly if you want them covered outside your home. 

 

Older Homes and Specialist Properties

One listener texted about their mother’s 120-year-old farmhouse. They mentioned that finding insurance has been challenging. The house has had some work done over the years but is not fully rewired and is currently uninsured. Jonathan explained that older or unique homes may not fit the standard online insurance model. This includes heritage properties and thatched houses.

In these cases, a local insurance broker can make all the difference. Brokers work with specialist insurers who understand the risks associated with older properties. They can tailor a policy to suit the home’s specific needs. 

 

What to Do If You’ve Let Your Policy Lapse

Another common issue discussed was when home insurance lapses, whether due to oversight or personal circumstances. Jonathan’s advice was simple: don’t panic, and don’t overpay.

If you’ve had a gap in cover, some insurers may charge higher premiums or reset your no-claims bonus. In that case, he recommends starting with a basic policy for a year to re-establish coverage, then shopping around again at renewal to find the best deal. 

 

Why It Pays to Shop Around

Jonathan also stressed the importance of reviewing your home insurance annually. Every insurer has their own “ideal” customer profile, meaning one company might offer a great rate for a suburban home, while another could be better suited to rural or coastal areas. Even if your current insurer offers a loyalty discount, it’s worth comparing quotes each year - or asking a broker to do it for you.

From protecting family homes to covering high-value possessions, home insurance is more than just ticking a box for your mortgage provider. It’s about ensuring your property and belongings are properly protected, whatever life brings. 

 

At Insure My House, we make finding the right policy simple. Our friendly team compares multiple insurers to get you the best cover at a great price. Get a quick, competitive quote today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is in safe hands.