Insurance Ireland advice to policyholders ahead of Storm Eowyn

Insurance Ireland advises motorists to heed the warnings in place from the authorities and avoid all non-essential travel.

In light of the red weather warning for Friday from Met Eireann, Insurance Ireland is advising policyholders on steps to take to minimise the risk of damage from this storm, as well as advice for motorists to heed the warnings during severe weather events and avoid any unnecessary journeys.

In the event of storm damage to your home or car, insurers will be on standby to assist customers to recover as quickly as possible.

Motor:

Insurance Ireland advises motorists to heed the warnings in place from the authorities and avoid all non-essential travel.

Motor insurance cover operates as normal, as your legal liability to others is covered by all policies. Damage to cars caused by the storm is covered by comprehensive motor insurance policies. Third party fire and theft policies do not provide cover for storm damage to your car.

Home:

In advance of the forecasted high winds, tidy away or tie down any loose items in the garden which could be blown around by gusts, check for loose roof tiles.

In advance of the storm, it’s helpful to clear gutters and check that any drainage systems aren’t blocked with leaves.

In the event of storm damage to your home or car, Insurance Ireland has the following advice:

Household buildings and contents insurance policies cover damage caused by storms.

Damage to cars is covered by comprehensive motor insurance policies.

Insurers will usually pay for the cost of temporary repairs, so please keep receipts.

Insurers will also usually pay for the cost of alternative accommodation, if the home becomes uninhabitable.

Householders should check the full extent of their policies and contact their insurer or broker as quickly as possible after the event.

Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive of Insurance Ireland, said: “It is very important that people put safety first and heed the warnings regarding Storm Eowyn. Our strong advice is that you don’t put yourself and emergency services personnel in unnecessary danger by driving during a red warning. In the event that your home or car is damaged, your insurer will be on standby to assist, and our advice is to contact them as quickly as possible.”

For more details and live updates on Storm Éowyn visit HERE.