Log & Timber Cabin Insurance

Log cabin or timber cabin insurance in Ireland is a specialist area of the insurance market, as log cabins are considered "non-standard construction" due to their timber build. They are often treated differently by insurers compared to traditional brick-and-mortar homes. As experts in this area, our team is here to help.

Get A Quote Pay / Renew Features Benefits

Features

The building section of the OBF holiday home insurance covers:

Damage caused by falling aerials and satellite dishes as a result of an insured loss.
Fire brigade charges covered up to €2,000.
Trace and access covered up to €1,000.
Domestic oil in fixed fuel tanks up to €750.
Property owner’s liability up to €3,000,000.
Loss of rent earnings or temporary accommodation costs whilst the holiday home cannot be lived in as a result of an insured loss, up to 10% of the building sum insured.

Get A Quote Pay / Renew Talk To Us

Benefits

Storm cover included as standard.
Accidental damage included on building and contents for owner-occupied holiday homes.
Low policy excess.
Cover available for holiday homes of non-standard construction.
No claims bonus scale.
Cover includes damage by fire, lightning, aircraft and explosion.
Cover available for accidental damage to TVs and audio equipment in your home.

Get A Quote Pay / Renew Talk To Us

Top Tip #1

Insurance differs for holiday homes kept for personal use and for letting. If you plan on renting out your home in the future, contact your holiday home insurance provider to have this added to your policy.

Top Tip #2

Ensure that a responsible person is appointed to supervise and check your holiday home at least once a month.

Top Tip #3

While accidental damage is covered by your holiday home insurance, you should try to keep up regular maintenance of the property as proper care can prevent many problems from occurring or worsening.

This includes work such as cleaning out gutters, fixing damaged windows or doors and draining your pipes in the winter.

Top Tip #4

Where a holiday home is unoccupied during the period 1st November to 31st of March annually, ensure the water is turned off at the mains and the water system is drained. This may be a requirement of your holiday home insurance policy.

Top Tip #5

Be mindful not to underinsure. Your property, including domestic outbuildings, should be insured for the full rebuilding cost. Find out more here.

FAQs

Q: How is the sum for my holiday home insurance policy calculated?

A: Holiday homes should be insured at a level which represents the full rebuilding cost including removal of debris and professional fees. Check www.scsi.ie for a guideline as to how holiday home insurance premiums are calculated.

Q: Are there any items excluded under content cover in holiday home insurance policies?

A: Significant exclusions under contents cover on OBF holiday home insurance policies include motor vehicles (other than garden machinery), caravans, trailers or watercraft or their accessories, any living creature or any property insured under any other insurance.

Q: My holiday home will be unoccupied for a sustained period of time, do I need to notify my holiday home insurer?

A: Unless otherwise advised and agreed, if after the start of your holiday home insurance policy, you regularly leave the premises unattended by day or by night or leave the home without an occupant for more than 40 consecutive days, you must tell your broker or OBF Insurance Group Ltd. immediately.

Q: I did not drain down my water system between 1st of November and the 31st March and I have had a burst pipe which caused a flood in my holiday home. Am I covered?

A: You may not be covered. Insurers endorse a holiday home insurance policy stating that certain precautions must be taken during this period to minimise loss. Check with your holiday home insurer about any policy requirements regarding draining your water system.

Q: I forgot to turn on my alarm and my holiday home has been burgled. Am I covered?

A: If an alarm discount has been allowed in your holiday home insurance policy, you may not be covered. You should check with your holiday home insurers.

Q: I am uncertain how much to insure my home for, can you help?

A: Yes, to assist in this you will need to know the size of your home. Once you have this information you can visit https://scsi.ie/consumer/build/calculator/ for guidance.

Q: What if I underinsure my home to keep the insurance cost down?

A: If you underinsure your home, you may not receive the full amount necessary to rebuild, repair or replace it in the event of partial or complete damage. Claim settlements may be reduced if your buildings or contents sums insured, at the time of any loss or damage, are less than the full rebuild cost or replacement cost.