InsureMyHouse.ie have received a high number of calls from homeowners who have let their house insurance cover lapse and who now want to ensure they are covered in the event of storm damage.

We remind Insuremyhouse.ie and all CFM Group clients to make sure they have cover in place before the storm hits.

“This is a risky approach for anyone to take as the Irish weather has never been more changeable and lots of people could well be caught out if they don’t renew on or before their renewal date.” says Jonathan Hehir, Managing Director of Insuremyhouse.ie.

While your house insurance will cover you in the event of a catastrophe, there is some important preparation that you can do to get your property storm-ready. Insuremyhouse.ie’s Claims Specialist, Gerard Carter, gives some of his best tips:

• Make sure your gutters are unblocked and free from obstructions such as moss or, as is often found at the downpipe, a tennis ball that had been hit onto the roof. This invariable lodges at the entrance to the down pipe having been in the gutter.
• Make sure the external gullies in the ground for your waste pipes (sink etc.) are clear of leaves.
• Do a visual check of your roof from your garden and attic to ensure no tiles have moved after the recent storm (ridge tiles also). Some minor repairs may be needed, don’t leave these as a small hole can cause huge damage.
• Make sure you cover all air vents as this is a way for water to enter your home and may not be noticed until serious damages become apparent.
• Make sure gutters on the road next to your house are not blocked-ring your local County Council roads department if they are (but free them with a brush if time is of the essence).
• Move pets to a secure location.
• Move valuables upstairs or to countertops in a bungalow.
• If flooded, turn off electricity at the mains and unplug all electrician devises and tape over sockets at a low level.
• Consider trimming overhanging trees.
• Move cars etc. from the area that may flood.
• If you leave the house make sure it is secure, inform the Gardai and leave the key with neighbours. Consider staying at night yourself or at least check the house on a regular basis.
• Make sure your garage and sheds are properly secured.
• Try and protect glasshouses from strong winds.
• Never leaves cash or jewellery in a vacant house.
• For houses in flood zones, consider building a wall around your boundary and keep sandbags for emergencies. A small pump may also be useful.

If your house insurance has lapsed or you have no cover in place, please call us on 01 603 2999 and we’ll get you covered at the best possible premium!