Insurance > Home Insurance > News and articles

What does my home insurance cover?


When it comes to safeguarding your home, household goods and personal belongings, knowing what your home insurance covers is important. But what does a home insurance policy cover?

Man using a bowl to catch water dropping from leak in ceiling



Home insurance typically consists of two main components:

1. Buildings insurance

This covers:

  • Loss or damage: For example, the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home if it’s damaged by events like fire, storms, floods or vandalism.
  • Fixtures and fittings: Like fitted kitchens, bathrooms and built-in wardrobes.
  • Domestic outbuildings: Like garages and other domestic outbuildings on your property.
  • Liability: ‘Liability’ cover is intended to pay for injury to others or damage to their property, as a result of an event which may be deemed your fault.

2. Contents insurance:

This covers:

  • Household goods or personal belongings: Things like furniture, certain electronics, and clothing will be covered against theft, fire and other risks.
  • Valuables: Some policies offer additional coverage for high-value items like jewellery, art and collectibles.
  • Accidental damage: Some policies allow you to cover accidental damage to your household goods, like spilling wine on your carpet or breaking a valuable vase. Accidental damage is sudden and unforeseeable damage which is caused unintentionally, and is not the result of a pre-existing or a gradually operating cause. This cover is optional when taking out a home insurance policy.



When choosing a home insurance policy, also consider the following:

  • Exclusions: Be aware of what is not covered by your policy. Exclusions are known as events or claims that will not be covered under your policy. Common exclusions include wear and tear, damage caused by pests, faulty workmanship (for example mica or pyrite) or gradual water damage from faulty seals or grouting.
  • Optional extras: You may want to add optional extras like accidental damage cover, or home emergency cover. With Bank of Ireland, we offer this as standard for the main dwelling, however it is an optional extra for investment properties or holiday homes.
  • Policy limits: Check the policy limits to ensure they are sufficient to cover the cost of rebuilding your home and replacing your belongings. Be aware of your policy excess too.

Home insurance policies can vary, so it’s essential to read the terms and conditions of your specific policy. By knowing the details of your policy, you can rest easy knowing that your home and belongings are safeguarded against unexpected events.

Please note: The purpose of this section is to cover the buildings and domestic outbuildings within the boundary of the risk address recorded in your schedule, in case of loss or damage caused by specific insured perils. If it is not recorded in your schedule, no cover will apply. Cover is subject to the limits of liability, conditions and exclusions recorded in your schedule and in the home policy booklet.


Applying online?

Get 10% off home insurance when you apply online. Use promo code Online101

Find out more

Newsletter Sign up

Sign up to news about offers, products and services.

Sign Up
1

For a 10% discount when you apply for a home insurance quote, use promo code Online10 above. Promotional offer available until 31 December 2025. Only one discount code can be used per purchase. Promotional offer available to new policies only. Discount applies to new policies and for the first year only.

 

Underwriting, terms and conditions apply. Home insurance is arranged by Bank of Ireland Insurance Services and underwritten by RSA Insurance Ireland DAC or FBD Insurance plc. Bank of Ireland Insurance Services Limited trading as Bank of Ireland Insurance and Bank of Ireland Insurance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. A member of the Bank of Ireland Group. RSA Insurance Ireland DAC trading as RSA Insurance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. FBD Insurance plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.