Ireland's leading loss assessor
Fire damage insurance claims
A house fire is one of the hardest things a family can go through, and dealing with an insurance claim on top of everything else should not make it harder. We work exclusively for you, assessing the full extent of the damage, picking up on what insurers tend to overlook, and negotiating directly with your insurer to get you the settlement you are entitled to.
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Why customers choose us in their moment of need
Immediate Support
What to do immediately after a house fire
After a house fire, focus on safety first, then protect your claim with clear evidence and careful next steps. Do not rush into clean-up or disposal until the damage is documented and your insurer is informed. The goal in the first 24 to 48 hours is to prevent further loss, keep records, and avoid actions that could make parts of the claim harder to prove.
If you are unsure where to start, talk to a loss assessor before accepting any offer from your insurer.
Know Your Cover
What’s typically covered in fire damage claims
Most home insurance policies in Ireland cover fire-related damage, but the exact scope depends on your policy wording and limits. A strong claim clearly separates building damage, contents loss, smoke and soot contamination, and any additional damage caused during firefighting. If your home is not liveable, some policies also provide for temporary accommodation. The key is documenting the full impact, not just what is visible.
Fire damage claims we handle
Electrical Fires
Faults in wiring, consumer units, or overloaded sockets can cause fires that spread rapidly through wall cavities and roof spaces before they are detected.
Kitchen Fires
Cooking is the leading cause of house fires in Ireland, with damage often extending well beyond the kitchen itself through smoke, heat, and water from suppression.
Chimney or Fireplace Fires
Creosote build-up and blocked flues can cause chimney fires that spread to roof timbers and adjacent rooms, often leaving significant structural and smoke damage behind.
Candle Fires
Unattended candles are a surprisingly common cause of serious property damage, with fires frequently spreading to soft furnishings, curtains, and fitted units before being noticed.
Gas Fires
Gas-related fires can cause explosive damage and intense heat, often resulting in structural compromise, extensive smoke spread, and complex reinstatement requirements.
Portable Heater Fires
Portable and electric heaters placed too close to furnishings or left unattended are a frequent source of localised but often severe fire damage claims.
Accidental Fires
From discarded cigarettes to unattended heat sources, accidental fires account for a significant proportion of home insurance claims and can escalate quickly without warning.
Appliance Fires
Tumble dryers, dishwashers, and other household appliances are a growing source of fire claims, with damage often spreading to adjoining rooms and causing significant smoke contamination throughout the property.
Smoke and Heat Damage Claims
Even where flames are contained quickly, smoke and heat can cause widespread damage to ceilings, walls, contents, and HVAC systems that extends far beyond the original fire source and forms a critical part of your claim.
Cause & Complexity
Common fire causes
The cause of a house fire can influence how an insurer assesses the claim and what supporting evidence is required. Some causes lead to extra questions about maintenance, wiring, or safety measures, while others create wider smoke and soot spread that is easily underestimated. Explaining the cause clearly and documenting the full scope of damage helps reduce delays and protects your settlement.
Reduce Stress
Why use a loss assessor?
A loss assessor can reduce stress after a fire by managing the claim process, building the evidence file, and dealing directly with the insurer on your behalf. Fire claims often involve hidden damage, specialist cleaning, detailed inventories, and negotiation on scope and costs. Support helps you avoid common mistakes, prevent under-scoping, and move the claim forward while you focus on getting your home and routine back. OMC claims act for homeowners nationwide, including a dedicated team of loss assessors in Dublin for claims across the city and county.
Timelines
How long do fire damage insurance claims take?
Fire damage claims are often among the more serious and disruptive types of home insurance claim because they can involve building damage, smoke contamination, damaged contents and alternative accommodation issues all at the same time. Smaller, contained losses may be resolved more quickly, but larger claims involving major repairs, extensive reinstatement works or valuation disagreements can take many months and sometimes longer. Delays are more likely where there is disagreement about the extent of the damage, the value of the loss or the appropriate settlement. Recording the damage carefully, retaining evidence where safe to do so and getting expert advice early can help you present the claim properly and work towards a fair outcome.
With you every step of the way
Why us for fire damage insurance claims support
Maximum Settlements
We’re committed to securing the best possible settlement for your fire damage claim, ensuring every aspect of your loss is fully covered and your entitlements are protected.
Fire Damage Negotiation Experts
With extensive experience negotiating fire damage claims, we know how to advocate for your rights and achieve a fair, timely outcome with your insurer.
Full-Service Claim Management
From reviewing your policy to coordinating with contractors for restoration, we manage every detail of your fire damage claim, so you can focus on recovery.
Proactive and Thorough
We think outside the box to ensure every detail of your fire damage—from structural harm to smoke and soot residue—is identified and addressed comprehensively.
Quick Claims Admission
We work strategically to help secure fast claim admission for your fire damage, minimising delays and getting your home restoration underway.
Transparent Communication
From the initial policy review to the final settlement, we keep you informed every step of the way, providing a smooth and stress-free experience during a challenging time.
where we operate
Supporting fire damage claims across Ireland
OMC Claims supports homeowners across Ireland with expert help on fire damage insurance claims. From major cities including loss assessors in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick to towns and rural communities nationwide, our team is ready to help you manage your claim with confidence. Whether your property has been affected by a house fire, chimney fire, smoke damage, or firefighting water damage, we can guide you through the claims process and act on your behalf.
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Fire damage claim support
Fire damage insurance claim FAQs Ireland
Does home insurance cover fire damage?
Yes. Fire damage is one of the most consistently covered perils in Irish home insurance policies. Most standard policies cover the cost of repairing or rebuilding your property following a fire, replacing damaged contents, and in many cases, providing alternative accommodation while your home is uninhabitable. The extent of your cover depends on your specific policy, your rebuild sum insured, and your contents limit. It is common for homeowners to discover after a fire that their sums insured are lower than the actual cost of reinstatement, which is why a thorough, independently prepared claim matters.
What should I do immediately after a house fire?
Once it is safe to re-enter, and only after the fire service confirms this, take photos and video of all damage before anything is removed or cleaned. Do not dispose of any damaged items. Notify your insurer as soon as possible and keep a record of all calls and correspondence. Secure the property against further damage or weather ingress if needed. Keep all receipts for emergency costs such as alternative accommodation, boarding up, or cleaning. Contact a loss assessor before agreeing to any scope of works or accepting any offer from your insurer.
Are chimney fires covered by home insurance?
Chimney fires are generally covered under a standard home insurance policy, provided the fire was accidental and not the result of a failure to maintain the flue. The damage from a chimney fire can extend well beyond the chimney itself, into roof timbers, attic spaces, ceilings, and adjoining rooms, and this secondary damage is often underestimated at the initial assessment stage. Smoke and soot damage to the interior can also form a significant part of a chimney fire claim. A thorough inspection is essential to ensure the full impact is captured.
What does a fire damage insurance claim typically cover?
A comprehensive fire damage claim can include structural repairs and reinstatement, roof and chimney repair or replacement, smoke and soot cleaning and decontamination, damaged contents and personal belongings, alternative accommodation costs while your home is being repaired, professional fees, and debris removal. The full scope depends on your policy and the extent of the damage. Items that are damaged by smoke, water used in firefighting, or structural movement following a fire can also be included. These are often missed in claims that are self-managed.
What is underinsurance and could it affect my fire damage claim?
Underinsurance occurs when your rebuild sum insured or contents limit is lower than the actual cost of reinstating your home. This is more common than most homeowners realise, particularly where the property has been extended, renovated, or where build costs have risen. If your insurer determines you are underinsured, they may apply a proportional reduction to your settlement, meaning you receive a percentage of your loss rather than the full amount. A loss assessor can identify underinsurance risks and help ensure your claim reflects the realistic cost of reinstatement.
How long will my fire damage claim take to settle?
Fire damage claims can vary significantly in length depending on the extent of the loss. A smaller fire claim may move more quickly, but claims involving major building repairs, smoke damage, damaged contents or disputes over valuation often take several months and can run longer in more complex cases.
Can I arrange my own repairs after a fire?
You can arrange your own repairs, but there are important steps to follow first. Do not authorise permanent reinstatement work until your insurer or their loss adjuster has inspected the property and your scope of works has been agreed. If you begin repairs before agreement is reached, you risk your insurer disputing elements of the cost. Emergency stabilisation such as boarding up and roof tarping is generally acceptable and necessary, but document everything and keep all receipts.
What happens to my contents after a fire?
Damaged contents should be photographed and listed in as much detail as possible before anything is removed. Your contents claim should include everything directly damaged by fire, heat, smoke, water from firefighting, or debris. Do not throw items away without recording them. For high-value items, gather any receipts, photos, or valuations you have. Where original purchase records are unavailable, a loss assessor can help build a credible contents schedule based on market replacement values.
Will my insurer provide alternative accommodation after a fire?
Most home insurance policies include cover for alternative accommodation if your home is uninhabitable following a fire. The level of cover and the duration vary by policy. You are generally entitled to accommodation that is reasonably comparable to your normal living arrangements. Keep all receipts for accommodation, food, and additional costs incurred as a direct result of being displaced, as these can form part of your claim. If your insurer disputes the level of accommodation provided, a loss assessor can intervene on your behalf.
How much does a loss assessor cost for a fire damage claim?
Our fee for fire damage claims is typically 10% plus VAT of the final settlement, agreed in advance. Fire damage claims are among the most complex home insurance claims, involving structural reinstatement, contents, smoke damage, alternative accommodation, and in some cases, disputes over rebuild values. The difference between a self-managed claim and a professionally prepared one is often significant. Your first consultation is free, with no obligation to proceed.
If your question is not covered in the FAQs above, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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