Storm Ophelia - Is my car insurance void if I drive in a red weather alert?

Insurance Ireland has clarified today that a post doing the rounds on social media is false implying that if you drove during the red weather alert event yesterday that your insurance would be voided.

Insurance Ireland has advised though that motor insurance cover operates as normal during these red alerts and is not impacted by the weather conditions.

The clarification was made after a post on Facebook and Twitter did the rounds yesterday stating that your car insurance would be void if you drove during the red weather alert.

That post, according to Insurance Ireland was incorrect and the insurance body said in a statement that damage to cars caused by the storm is covered by comprehensive motor insurance policies.

[caption id="attachment_5025" align="aligncenter" width="620"]

Incorrect Social Media message according to the Insurance Sector in Ireland. Motorists are covered.[/caption]

Third party fire and theft policies cover motorists for damage to other cars in the event of an accident, injury to other people, or damage to your car in the event of a fire or theft.

The group which represents the insurance industry in Ireland did advise all motorists, as we did here at MyVehicle.ie, to heed all the warnings in place from the authorities and avoid all nonessential travel.

Due to warnings of possible property damage caused by Storm Ophelia, the group said home insurance policyholders should be aware of the following information:

Household buildings and contents insurance policies will cover damage caused by storms.

Insurers will usually pay for the cost of temporary repairs, so please keep receipts.

Insurers will also usually pay for the cost of alternative accommodation, if the home becomes uninhabitable.

Householders should check the full extent of their policies and contact their insurer or broker after the event.

The Irish Claims Consultants Association who represent the public loss assessors in Ireland, has advised policyholders to take photos of the damage for their insurance provider.

All major insurance companies have promised to have additional staff to man helplines and take notifications of claims. The association has said that loss adjusters will also be deployed to assess damage.

Author

Justin Kavanagh
Justin Kavanagh is a recognised leader in automotive intelligence and vehicle data supply to the entire motor industry. He has almost 20 years experience in building systems from the ground up. As the Managing Director of Vehicle Management System, he understands the need and importance of trustworthy and reliable vehicle history and advice to both the trade and the public.
Follow me on LinkedIn