24 April 2025
By Roger Kennedy
roger@TheCork.ie
It is the stuff of nightmares for homeowners, but home insurance can be your saviour in a crisis situation. Although it isn’t the most pleasant of topics to think about, opting into the right policy is one of the best ways to protect your investment if the unexpected occurs.
File photo of modern housing
What Does Home Insurance Cover?
Home insurance provides coverage for your home and belongings in case of damage or destruction due to unpredictable events such as fire, theft, vandalism, and certain natural disasters. Most policies will include structural protection, personal property protection, and coverage for liability protection if someone is injured while on your property.
Don’t overlook liability protection; a solid policy will cover legal fees when you are taken to court if someone is injured on your property, and you will have peace of mind knowing you are guarded against the unknown.
Choosing the Right Home Insurance
You need to compare policies when selecting your home insurance policy. Not all policies are the same, and there are varying limits and options for coverage. To ensure you have enough coverage, check the value of your home and belongings.
Buying additional policies is a nice way to ensure coverage of various damages or losses, like floods or earthquakes, when you live in disaster-prone areas.
Ways to Lower Your Home Insurance Premiums
There are several ways you can save on home insurance premiums without decreasing coverage. One is increasing the deductible. Meaning you will pay out-of-pocket costs if you make a claim.
You can also save by securing your home. Many companies will give you credit for having an alarm system; smoke alarm deadbolts on doors, and other security devices. You can also get a discount if you have other policies with the same company, like auto insurance.
When to Update Your Home Insurance
It is important to regularly update your home insurance policy. If you have done work on your home, bought more valuable items, or made major changes, you’ll need to update your policy.
Life changes — like a marriage and a change of address,, will also call for a new insurance policy. Having an up-to-date policy will help you no matter what changes happen.
Protect What Matters Most
Home insurance is the best guard for your property and assets. If you know your coverage options and maintain regular home insurance policy reviews, you can save your home and belongings from any unexpected events.