The right choice is more than having a policy. It should fit the type of home, its use, the value needing protection and the risks that matter in your own circumstances. Two homes that look similar on paper can need different protection.
Start with the coverage guide. Return to the home hub.
1. Building, contents or both?
An owner protecting the property and a tenant protecting belongings do not necessarily need the same cover. Decide what you want to insure before choosing a package. Otherwise a critical part can remain outside the policy.
2. Is the sum insured right?
Do not choose an approximate amount merely to lower the premium. Consider floor area, construction, auxiliary spaces, contents and valuable items. Reconstruction value is different from market value.
3. Is earthquake actually included?
Check whether it is selected, whether the building is eligible and what deductibles and conditions apply. Use the earthquake guide. Fire, earthquake and flood also need separate checking for the ENFIA reduction.
4. What do you retain through deductibles?
A lower premium can come with more of the loss remaining yours to pay. Check the deductible for each cover and convert percentages into euros. Compare the premium against the amount you may have to pay in a claim.
5. Which events are covered?
Look at fire, explosion, lightning, water damage, natural events, earthquake, theft and other relevant events individually. Similar package names do not guarantee the same protection.
6. What are the compensation limits?
Check limits and sublimits for individual covers. The headline building amount does not answer every question about temporary accommodation, electrical damage, theft or liability.
7. Have high-value belongings been declared?
Jewellery, artwork, collections or expensive equipment may need separate handling. Ask what documentation and valuation are required rather than assuming they are covered.
8. How is the home used?
A main home, holiday home, long-term rental and short-term rental should be declared accurately. Long closures, occupancy and supervision may affect the insurer's assessment.
9. Have you considered liability?
A loss can affect neighbours or visitors. Check whether the policy includes the liability relevant to your situation, who is insured and the applicable limit.
10. Which practical additional covers matter?
Temporary accommodation, loss of rent, tracing a leak or other benefits may matter more for one home than another. Check conditions and limits rather than simply counting benefits.
11. Compare equivalent proposals before prices
A €120 proposal and a €150 proposal are not directly comparable if they have different insured items, amounts, deductibles or exclusions. Put these alongside each other first, then compare premiums.
12. Request a proposal for your actual home
Provide construction year, type, renovations, use, area, contents, mortgage and previous damage accurately. A serious proposal starts with the property rather than a ready-made price.
Download the property checklist. If you have proposals already, request a comparison.