Key Takeaways
| Topic | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Cost of Buildings Insurance | – Typically €200–€600 per year – Depending on rebuild cost, location, age of home & extras. |
| Cost of Contents Insurance | – Typically €100–€300 per year, based on the value of belongings. |
| Combined Home Insurance | Usually €250–€700 per year for both buildings + contents under one policy. |
| Three Types of Cover | Buildings, Contents, or Combined. |
| Rebuild Cost matters | Your premium is based on rebuild cost, not market value. |
| Choosing Cover | – Avoid underinsurance – Check excess, limits, and optional extras like accidental damage or all-risks. |
| Who Needs What | Homeowners – Buildings + contents. Renters – Contents only. Landlords – Landlord Buildings insurance. |
| Discounts Available | Monitored alarms, no-claims bonus, strong security, and paying annually can reduce cost. |
- Home insurance in Ireland protects your home’s structure (buildings) and belongings (contents).
- Prices vary by home age, rebuild cost, location, security, and policy extras.
- Buildings insurance covers the physical structure; contents insurance covers personal belongings.
- Underinsurance is a major risk, so your rebuild cost must be correct.
- Extras like accidental damage, personal possessions, and emergency assistance can add protection but increase cost.
- First-time buyers pay additional housing expenses like solicitor fees, Local Property Tax, moving costs, and mortgage protection; so choosing the right insurance matters.
- Home insurance comparison websites (bonkers.ie, CompareInsurance.ie, etc) help you compare from multiple insurers.
Home & Contents Insurance in Ireland (2025 Guide for First-Time Buyers)
Buying a home is both an exciting and nerve-racking venture, but it also comes with responsibilities; one of the biggest being protecting your home and everything inside it.
In Ireland, home insurance isn’t just helpful; mortgage lenders often require it. Even if you own your home outright, insurance protects you from the enormous financial cost of repairs, damage, or theft.
This guide explains the types of home insurance, typical costs in Ireland, what’s covered, what’s not, how to avoid underinsurance, and practical tips to save money.
Types of Home Insurance in Ireland
Home insurance in Ireland is divided into 3 main categories:
1. Buildings Insurance
Covers the physical structure of your home; the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and permanent fixtures like:
- Fitted kitchens
- Bathroom suites
- Built-in wardrobes
- Pipes, radiators, and wiring
- Outbuildings and boundary walls
Typical Cost.
€200–€600 per year
(based on rebuild cost, location, age of home, and policy level)
What Buildings Insurance Covers
- Fire, storm, and flood damage
- Burst pipes or water escape
- Land sinking or Subsidence (sometimes optional)
- Theft or attempted theft
- Impact damage (cars, falling trees, aircraft)
- Rebuilding costs, including site clearance
- Damage to sheds, gates, fences, and driveways
Who Needs It
- Homeowners
- Landlords
- Owners of detached, semi-detached, terraced houses, and bungalows
- Apartment owners, if the management company does not cover the building
Who Doesn’t Need It
- Renters
- Some apartment owners where the block insurance is already included
2. Contents Insurance
Covers the items inside your home; anything you would take with you if you moved.
Examples of What’s Covered
- Furniture
- Electronics
- Clothing
- Kitchen appliances
- Jewellery (restrictions apply)
- Sports equipment
- Art or antiques
- Home office equipment
Typical Cost
€100–€300 per year, depending on the value of your belongings.
What Contents Insurance Covers
- Theft
- Fire & smoke damage
- Flood or storm damage
- Accidental damage (optional extra)
- Escape of water or oil
- Vandalism
Extra Cover Often Included
- Emergency assistance
- Lock replacement
- Loss of home heating oil
- Garden contents
- Freezer contents
- Fire brigade charges
- Alternative accommodation
- Title deeds
- Public liability cover (usually €2m–€3m)
Who Needs Contents Insurance
- Homeowners
- Tenants (standalone cover)
- Apartment owners with block insurance
- Anyone with valuable belongings they couldn’t replace easily
3. Combined Buildings & Contents Insurance
The most common type of home insurance in Ireland.
Typical Cost
€250–€700 per year
(depending on home size, age, rebuild cost, and value of contents)
This option is usually the best value and simplifies the claims process.
Key Home Insurance Terms Every Homeowner Should Know
1. Rebuild Cost (Not Market Value)
Insurers don’t care what you paid for the home, they care what it costs to rebuild it after a disaster.
Use the SCSI Rebuild Calculator to avoid underinsurance.
2. Excess
The amount you pay before the insurer covers the rest.
Lower excess → higher premium.
Higher excess → lower premium.
3. Underinsurance
If your home is underinsured by 30%, your claim payout may also be reduced by 30%.
Always update your rebuild cost if:
✔ You build an extension
✔ You renovate
✔ Construction costs rise
Common Extras You Can Add to Your Policy
Some are included automatically; others cost extra.
Optional Add-Ons
- Accidental damage
- All-risks cover (items used outside the home)
- Specified items (jewellery, bicycles, laptops)
- Home emergency cover
- Legal protection
- Personal accident cover
Optional Add-Ons for Landlords
- Loss of rent
- Malicious damage by tenants
- Landlord liability
Typical Home Insurance Costs in Ireland (2026)
| Type of Insurance | Typical Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Buildings only | €200–€600 |
| Contents only | €100–€300 |
| Combined | €250–€700 |
| Landlord policies | €300–€900 |
| High-value item add-ons | €20–€80 extra per item |
Costs vary by:
- Location (Dublin is often higher)
- Home age & condition
- Security systems installed
- Rebuild cost
- Claims history
How to Save Money on Home Insurance
✔ Use comparison sites like Bonkers.ie or CompareInsurance.ie
✔ Increase your excess to reduce premiums
✔ Install a monitored alarm
✔ Improve door & window security
✔ Build up a no-claims bonus
✔ Pay annually instead of monthly
✔ Remove unnecessary extras
✔ Ensure your rebuild cost is accurate (not inflated)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is home insurance mandatory in Ireland?
Not by law, but lenders require buildings insurance to release your mortgage funds.
2. Should renters get home insurance?
Yes. Renters need contents insurance because the landlord is not responsible for your personal belongings.
3. What happens if I underestimate my rebuild cost?
You risk underinsurance, meaning the insurer reduces your claim payout proportionally.
4. Does buildings insurance cover my garden shed?
Usually yes, sheds, outbuildings, and garden structures are often included up to a limit.
5. Are bicycles covered?
Only sometimes.
You may need ‘specified items cover‘ if you want it insured outside the home.
6. What’s the difference between accidental damage and all-risks?
- Accidental damage – Covers unexpected breakages inside the home (e.g., smashed TV).
- All-risks – Covers items taken outside (e.g., engagement ring, laptops, sports equipment).
7. How often should I review my policy?
At least once per year or after major home improvements.
Final Thoughts
Home and contents insurance is one of the most important protections you’ll ever buy. It shields your home, your belongings, and your financial stability from events you can’t predict.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or long-term homeowner, make sure your:
✔ Rebuild cost is accurate
✔ Contents value is realistic
✔ Extras match your needs and
✔ Policy is reviewed annually.
With the right cover in place, you can enjoy your home with far greater peace of mind.
