Home Claims - FAQs
What is a policy excess?
What is a policy excess?
A policy excess is the first part of the claim you are responsible for.
The amount of the excess is specific to your policy and the type of claim.
The excess can be found on your policy schedule.
What happens if I am under insured when I make a claim?
What happens if I am under insured when I make a claim?
If a total loss occurs and the amount insured at the time of the loss is not enough to cover the damage, the claim will be paid up to the sum insured.
Are my possessions covered away from the home?
Are my possessions covered away from the home?
Loss or damage to items away from the home is covered under the All Risks section of the policy. This cover is optional. Please check your schedule to see if you have this cover.
You can choose Specified All Risks, Unspecified All Risks or both.
Specified All Risks is when cover is required for a specific item, for a specific amount. For example, an engagement ring valued at €4,000.
Unspecified All Risks is a miscellaneous amount which covers personal effects that are normally worn or carried on the person . For example, laptops, mobile phones, iPods. A limit for any one item will apply, which is specific to your policy.
Is money / credit cards covered?
Is money / credit cards covered?
Yes. Money is covered, whilst in the home, under the contents section. Money away from the home is covered under the Unspecified All Risks section. The policy covers up to a maximum of €650.
There is also cover for fraudulent use of credit, debit, charge, cheque and cash cards up to a maximum of €1,300 in any period of insurance.
Are bicycles covered?
Are bicycles covered?
Yes. Whilst the bicycle is in the home or a domestic outbuilding it is covered under the contents section of the policy.
Cover is also provided under the Contents in the Open section of the policy for up to €125 per bicycle.
If you have Unspecified All Risks cover, bicycles are covered up to a limit of €320 in any policy year. If your bicycle is worth more than €320 you should specify it on the policy.
How will my claim be settled?
How will my claim be settled?
Settlement will be by payment or, at our option, by reinstatement, replacement or repair.
For building claims we may nominate a contractor to carry out the repairs.
For jewellery claims a voucher/store credit will be issued to you.
Generally your claim will be settled on a new for old basis. However, there are times when your claim will be settled on an indemnity basis. This is when a deduction is made for wear, tear, and depreciation. An example of when this happens are claims for clothing and bicycles.
If you have a Landlord or Holiday Home policy a deduction is made for floor coverings over 5 years old.
If a settlement cheque is issued to you, the cheque will be made payable to the people named on the policy. If two or more people are named on the policy, we cannot issue a cheque in one name. In certain circumstances your mortgage provider may also be named on the cheque.
What is not covered by my policy?
What is not covered by my policy?
Your policy does not cover every event.
Your policy booklet lists the events you are covered for and the exclusions within those events.
If you have any queries regarding cover please contact us.
The following are a sample of causes which are not covered.
Damage caused by:
- Wear, tear, rust or corrosion.
- Gradual deterioration or any gradually operating cause.
- The cost of maintenance.
- Mildew, rising damp, dry or wet rot, moth vermin, atmospheric or climatic conditions.
- The process of cleaning, dyeing, repairing or restoring any article.
- Mechanical, electrical, or electronic defects, breakdown or malfunction.
- Please note your policy does not cover any kind of motor vehicle (other than lawnmowers) or their accessories.
What happens if one part of a set is damaged (sofas etc)?
What happens if one part of a set is damaged (sofas etc)?
Only the damaged part is covered by the policy.
Any undamaged item which is part of a set, pair, suite or which is of a uniform nature is not covered. This also applies when replacements do not match the remaining items.
How long will a claim take?
How long will a claim take?
We will do everything we can to settle your claim promptly and efficiently.
There are many factors which can change the course of a claim; we will do our best to resolve the situation with a straightforward approach.
What is included in Buildings and Contents cover?
What is included in Buildings and Contents cover?
What is included in Buildings and Contents cover?
As a guide, Buildings include:
- The structure of your home
- Built-in wardrobes
- Fitted kitchens
- Wooden floors
- Garage and outbuildings
- Walls, gates and fences
- Patios
Contents include:
- Household goods
- Clothing
- Furniture and furnishings
- Personal effects
For the full definition of Buildings and Contents please refer to your policy booklet.
Do I need a Claim Form?
Do I need a Claim Form?
For most claims you do not need to complete a claim form. If we require more information we will send you a form.
What if a tree on my property causes damage?
Am I covered if a tree on my property falls and causes damage to my neighbour's car or property?
Your policy covers all sums, which you become legally liable to pay, in the event of death, bodily injury or illness to any person, other than:
- You
- Members of your household
- Employees of you
- Employees of members of your household
The maximum we will pay for any claim or claims from one cause is €3,175,000.
What if I accidentally hit someone while playing golf?
Am I covered if I accidentally hit someone with a golf ball while playing golf?
Your policy covers all sums, which you become legally liable to pay, in the event of death, bodily injury or illness to any person, other than:
- You
- Members of your household
- Employees of you
- Employees of members of your household
The maximum we will pay for any claim or claims from one cause is €3,175,000.
What if my dog bites someone?
What if my dog bites someone?
Your policy covers all sums, which you become legally liable to pay, in the event of death, bodily injury or illness to any person, other than:
- You
- Members of your household
- Employees of you
- Employees of members of your household
The maximum we will pay for any claim or claims from one cause is €3,175,000.
Dangerous dogs, specified under the Control of Dog Acts, must at all times:
- be muzzled
- be under effective control
- be capable of identification
Am I covered for liability arising from child minding in the home?
Am I covered for liability arising from child minding in the home?
Yes. Your policy covers a child minding facility for up to 2 children. If there are more than 2 children you need a separate public liability policy.
Are events organised at the property covered?
Are events organised at the property, for example: weddings, open garden days, charity events covered?
Your policy can be extended to cover events for an additional premium. Each case must be referred to us before cover is confirmed.
Am I covered to keep paying guests?
Am I covered to keep paying guests?
Yes. Your policy automatically covers up to 6 paying guests staying in your home. For an additional premium cover can be provided for up to 12 paying guests
What if a visitor injures themselves at my home
What if a visitor injures themselves at my home
Your policy covers all sums, which you become legally liable to pay, in the event of death, bodily injury or illness to any person, other than:
- You
- Members of your household
- Employees of you
- Employees of members of your household
The maximum we will pay for any claim or claims from one cause is €3,175,000.
