21 July 2025
Is Your House Properly Insured
We’ve all felt the shift in the Irish weather—sun one moment, storms the next. With more extreme weather events hitting our shores each year, many homeowners are wondering:
Is my house properly insured for future storms or floods?
At Synergy Credit Union, we want to help you feel safe and supported—whatever the weather brings. That’s why we’ve partnered with Allianz to offer trusted, competitive Home Insurance to our members, so you can enjoy true peace of mind.
See the discounts on Home Insurance being offered to Synergy Credit Union members here: https://synergycu.ie/services/car-home-pet-insurance
1. Avoid Being Under-Insured
One of the most common issues is under-insurance—when your home is insured for less than the full cost of rebuilding it, or the contents are insured for less than it would cost to replace them.
For example, if your home is insured for €280,000 but the actual cost to rebuild it is €400,000, your insurer could reduce your claim by 30%, regardless of the damage caused. That’s a financial hit nobody wants.
Tip: Make sure the buildings sum insured reflects the full cost of rebuilding, and contents cover reflects today’s replacement value—not what you paid for them years ago.
2. Keep Your Insurer in the Loop
Always notify your insurer about any major refurbishments, extensions or updates. These can increase the rebuild value of your home—and if your policy isn’t updated, you may not be fully covered.
Similarly, let your insurer know about any changes in how your home is used. Many policies will have rules around unoccupied homes, typically limiting cover if your house is empty for more than 30 consecutive days.
3. Check for Flat Roof Clauses
Flat roofs are often seen as higher-risk areas by insurers. If your roof is flat or partially flat, it may not be fully covered unless it’s kept in good condition. You may also face cover limits or even refusals if your roof exceeds a certain age or size.
Tip: Maintain your roof and be aware of any conditions tied to it in your insurance documents.
4. Review Unusual Cover Terms
Home insurance policies sometimes include extra cover like protection for spoiled freezer food or storm damage to garden furniture or trampolines. But limits apply—usually from €750 to €2,000—and you’ll often need to provide photos or evidence to make a successful claim.
And don’t forget about alternative accommodation—if you can’t stay in your home after a major event like flooding, your insurer may cover the cost of temporary housing. But again, check the fine print.
5. Think About Seasonal Hazards
Before winter sets in, secure trampolines, garden furniture, and anything that could blow into your neighbour’s window! Claims caused by flying items are on the rise, and insurers may not cover damage if they believe reasonable precautions weren’t taken.
6. Keep a Paper Trail
In the unfortunate event of a storm, insurers will often ask for evidence—photos, receipts, and even model numbers. Being organised in advance can help your claim process run smoothly.
7. Shop Around before Renewal Time
When your home insurance is up for renewal, don’t just accept the first quote. Prices and cover levels can vary significantly between insurers. Shopping around allows you to compare what's out there—some may offer better value, more suitable cover, or added benefits like alternative accommodation or accidental damage.
Tip: Don’t just look at price—make sure you're comparing like with like in terms of cover and excesses. A little research could save you a lot in the long run.
Peace of Mind Starts with Preparation
Your home is likely your most valuable asset—so it pays to make sure it’s properly protected. At Synergy Credit Union, we encourage all our members to review their insurance policies regularly, especially in advance of storm season.
And if you're looking for reliable, affordable cover, check out our Home Insurance in partnership with Allianz—offering great value exclusively to our members.
