Home Insurance: Top 10 Household Tips

1. Adequate Insurance

Make sure you are adequately insured. If you’re not sure how much to insure your Buildings for, check out www.scs.ie for a guide on rebuilding costs. To properly value your contents get a pen and some paper and go from room to room and estimate the replacement value of each item or group of items in the room. Total the figure and add at least 10% to allow for error. Don’t forget to include carpets and curtains.

2. Receipts and Valuations

Keep a file containing receipts and valuations and where possible photographs of your valuable items and store the file somewhere safe so that you can produce documentary evidence in the event of a claim.

3. Unoccupied Home

If your home is going to be unoccupied for more than 2 weeks in a row, remember to turn off the water and heating and, if possible, arrange for a neighbour or relative to check on the property regularly.

4. Smoke Detectors

Check your smoke detectors regularly to make sure that they are in proper working order.

5. Non Essential Electrical Appliances

Completely turn off all non-essential electrical appliances at night. It won’t just be safer - it will save you money too.

6. Regular Chimney Cleaning

If you use your fire place for real fires make sure you have your chimney cleaned regularly.

7. Set your Alarm

Make sure you lock all doors and windows fully and set your alarm, if you have one, when you are leaving your home unoccupied.

8. How to protect your home and belongings from loss

Open this link for some easy ways to protect your home.

9. Annual Gutter Check

Have your gutters checked annually for build up of moss and debris to avoid potential water damage from overflow.

10. Regular Roof Checks

If any part of your property has a felt roof, you must have the roof inspected regularly for damage or cracks etc.