In the aftermath of Storm Ophelia in 2017, Insurance Ireland, the umbrella body for the insurance industry, confirmed that householders with comprehensive home and contents insurance can expect to be covered for storm damage, although it advised customers to check their policies as soon as possible after damage has occurred.
If your home has been adversely affected by weather conditions, take the following steps when making a claim, to ensure it proceeds efficiently:
- Storms tend to damage roof tiles and gutters, TV aerials and satellites, fences, and windows – not to mention buildings hit by falling trees. Once safe to do so, assess the damage to your home. Take photos, if possible, as they may help with your claim
- If items in your home have been damaged by water, you may remove them from your home but don’t dispose of them yet! Your insurer might need to inspect these items to see the extent of the damage. We recommend storing damaged items in a shed or skip until your claim has been settled
- Depending on your policy, insurers will usually pay for the cost of temporary repairs, as well as alternative accommodation if your home is uninhabitable
Emergency Home Assistance
We provide 24-hour emergency home assistance for emergencies in the home that need a short-term fix, such as a damaged roof or plumbing problem. If you need a tradesperson in a hurry at the weekend, knowing you have this option can provide great peace of mind. Call 0818 7 365 24 to speak to the AXA emergency home assistance care team.
Making a Claim
If you need to make claim on your home insurance, contact your insurance provider at the earliest opportunity. You’ll find contact details on your policy document, as well as on your insurer’s website.
Before making the claim, be prepared:
- Have your policy document at hand
- Have all the information you collected. Receipts for damaged items may be useful
- You need to provide as much information as possible in relation to the claim to avoid omitting important details
- Know what you’re claiming for, as well as estimated costs
- Document the claims process. From the first call with your insurance company, note dates and times as well as the content of conversations and any letters you receive about your claim
