If you’re planning some repairs or maintenance on your property, you might be wondering: does my home insurance cover handyman services? It’s a common question — especially when the costs of keeping your property in top shape start to add up. In this post, we’ll break down how home insurance works in Ireland when it comes to hiring a handyman, and what you need to know before booking a job.
Understanding What Home Insurance Typically Covers
Home insurance in Ireland generally falls into two main categories:
- Buildings Insurance – covers the physical structure of your home, like walls, roof, windows, and permanent fixtures.
- Contents Insurance – covers movable items like furniture, appliances, and personal belongings.
However, insurance is usually designed to cover unexpected damage, not day-to-day maintenance or wear and tear.
When Might Insurance Cover a Handyman Job?
There are certain situations where your home insurance might indirectly cover handyman work, but it depends on the policy and the cause of the damage. For example:
- Accidental Damage: If your child accidentally punches a hole in the wall or a heavy object damages a door, your policy may cover the repair — which could be carried out by a handyman.
- Storm or Water Damage: If a storm damages a fence or water leaks through the ceiling, your insurance may cover the repair costs, including labour.
- Emergency Repairs: Some policies include emergency assistance for things like broken locks or sudden plumbing issues, though they usually use their own contractors.
🔍 Always check with your insurance provider first to understand what is and isn’t covered before hiring anyone.
❌ What Insurance Usually Doesn’t Cover
Most standard home insurance policies in Ireland do not cover:
- General wear and tear
- Routine home maintenance (e.g. repainting, gutter cleaning)
- DIY fixes that go wrong
- Upgrades or improvements (e.g. new flooring or garden decking)
These are considered the homeowner’s responsibility and would need to be paid out of pocket — which is where a trusted local handyman comes in.
Handyman Services & Insurance: Tips to Stay Covered
If you’re hiring a handyman, here are a few tips to protect your property and your insurance standing:
- Use an insured handyman – This protects both you and the worker if anything goes wrong.
- Get a written receipt or invoice – If you later make an insurance claim related to the job, this documentation helps.
- Don’t delay repairs – Some policies won’t pay out if you neglected a problem that later caused more serious damage.
- Communicate with your insurer – If in doubt, call them and ask whether the cost is eligible for a claim.
Need Reliable Handyman Help in Wicklow?
At Grants Handyman Services, we’re fully insured and provide clear, professional documentation for every job — making things easier if you ever need to involve your insurer.
✅ Repairs, maintenance, garden works, and more
✅ Trusted by homeowners, landlords & businesses
✅ Serving Aughrim, Co. Wicklow and surrounding areas