3
Insurance types
Mortgage, home & landlord
Free
Comparison guides
Independent advice
2026
Updated info
Latest rates & requirements
10-15%
Alarm discount
On home insurance premiums
Our Insurance Guides
Mortgage Protection Insurance
A legal requirement when taking out a mortgage in Ireland. Compare providers, costs, and coverage types to find the best deal.
Home Insurance
Protect your property and contents against damage, theft, and other risks. Most mortgage lenders require this before releasing funds.
Landlord Insurance
Covers buildings, contents, rent guarantee, and loss of rent for property owners who rent out their homes.
Need Help With Insurance?
Our experts at Selectra are here to help you secure the right cover - completely free.
What Types of Insurance Do You Need in Ireland?
The type of insurance you need depends on your situation:
- Buying a home: You will need mortgage protection insurance (a legal requirement) and home insurance (required by most lenders). Mortgage protection pays off your mortgage if you die during the term, while home insurance covers damage to your property and belongings.
- Renting out a property: Landlord insurance is not legally required but strongly recommended. It typically covers buildings insurance, contents insurance, rent guarantee, and loss of rent.
- Renting a home: As a tenant, your landlord is responsible for buildings insurance. You may want to take out contents insurance separately to protect your own belongings.
Need Help With Insurance?
Our experts at Selectra are here to help you secure the right cover - completely free.
How To Save on Insurance in Ireland
Insurance premiums can vary significantly between providers, so it pays to shop around. Here are some practical tips to reduce your costs:
- Compare quotes annually: Do not auto-renew without checking what other providers are offering. Loyalty penalties are common in the Irish insurance market.
- Increase your excess: A higher voluntary excess can lower your premium, but make sure you can afford to pay it if you need to make a claim.
- Install a monitored alarm: Many insurers offer discounts of 10% to 15% on home insurance if you have a certified monitored alarm system installed.
- Bundle your policies: Some providers offer discounts when you combine home insurance with mortgage protection or other policies.
- Pay annually: Paying your premium in one lump sum is usually cheaper than monthly direct debit, which often includes interest charges.
Insurance vs Assurance: What Is the Difference?
These two terms are often confused but refer to different types of cover:
- Insurance covers events that might happen (such as fire, theft, or flooding). You pay a premium and are covered if the event occurs during the policy term. Home insurance and car insurance are examples of this.
- Assurance covers events that will happen (such as death). Mortgage protection insurance is technically a form of life assurance, because it pays out when the policyholder dies, not if.
Understanding the distinction can help you choose the right products for your situation. If you are buying a home, you will typically need both: mortgage protection (assurance) and home insurance (insurance).
Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance in Ireland
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