Looking for home insurance for your new property in Wexford is an important step in protecting your investment. Here’s an assessment of five leading Irish insurance providers, with their strengths and limitations to help you make an informed decision.
1. Zurich Insurance
Positives:
- Excellent coverage options including accidental damage as standard on many policies
- Strong reputation for reliable claims handling with 24/7 emergency assistance
- Flexible policies that can be tailored to specific needs
- Discounts available for alarm systems and smoke detectors
- Well-established international company with financial stability
Limitations:
- Premiums tend to be higher than some competitors
- Online quote system can be less user-friendly than others
- Customer service response times occasionally reported as slow during peak periods
- May have stricter acceptance criteria for older properties
2. Allianz Ireland
Positives:
- Comprehensive coverage options with good additional benefits
- Strong focus on rural properties which suits your Wexford location
- Multiple policy discounts if you bundle with car insurance
- Good reputation for handling complex claims
- Well-rated mobile app for managing policies and claims
Limitations:
- Can be expensive for higher-value properties
- Excess amounts (the amount you pay toward a claim) might be higher than competitors
- Some customers report difficulty navigating policy exclusions
- Renewal premiums can increase significantly without negotiation
3. FBD Insurance
Positives:
- Irish-owned company with strong understanding of local property issues
- Particularly good for rural properties with competitive rates
- Local offices throughout Ireland including Wexford for face-to-face service
- Specific coverage options for farm buildings if relevant
- Good track record for customer satisfaction in claims handling
Limitations:
- Digital tools and online services less developed than some competitors
- Less comprehensive coverage for high-value items without additional riders
- Can have limitations on coverage for vacant properties
- Some policies have higher excesses for certain claim types
4. AXA Insurance
Positives:
- Flexible coverage options with good value home emergency assistance
- Strong digital services including useful mobile app
- Clear documentation and policy wording
- Good multi-policy discounts available
- Excellent coverage for contents with higher standard limits
Limitations:
- Customer service quality can be inconsistent based on reviews
- Claims process sometimes reported as being slower than expected
- Premiums can increase substantially at renewal
- May have higher excess amounts for certain types of claims
5. Aviva Ireland
Positives:
- Comprehensive coverage with good standard inclusions
- Strong reputation for financial stability
- Excellent home emergency response service
- Good discounts for security features and claim-free histories
- Clear and transparent policy documentation
Limitations:
- Premium prices can be higher than market average
- Phone customer service can have longer wait times
- Some customers report frustration with claims assessment timeframes
- Online services, while improving, still lag behind some competitors
Next Steps for Your Home Insurance
When requesting quotes, have these details ready:
- Full property details including construction type (based on your survey)
- Rebuild cost (from your property survey)
- Security features (alarms, locks, etc.)
- Property age (2010)
- Special features (detached garage, treatment plant)
Consider requesting quotes from at least three providers to compare coverage and pricing.
Remember that your property has some specific features mentioned in your survey, including the oil heating system, treatment plant, and detached garage. Make sure these are properly covered in any policy you choose.
It’s also worth mentioning that your property was built in 2010 according to the survey, which should work in your favour for insurance rates compared to older properties.