If you've had a chimney fire, you're probably dealing with two things at once: shock and confusion about what actually happened, and the daunting prospect of dealing with your insurance company. This guide explains exactly how a chimney fire insurance claim works in Ireland — and why you shouldn't have to navigate it alone.
Does Home Insurance Cover Chimney Fires in Ireland?
In most cases, yes. Standard home insurance policies in Ireland cover chimney fires under the accidental damage or fire damage sections of the policy. This typically covers:
- Structural damage to the chimney stack, liner, and flue
- Damage to the roof, flashings, and slates around the chimney
- Smoke damage to interior rooms adjacent to the flue
- Chimney relining required as a result of the fire
- Full chimney rebuild if structurally required
What is typically not covered: routine maintenance, gradual deterioration, and pre-existing damage that was not caused by the fire event.
Important: Most policies require you to maintain the chimney properly — annual sweeping, use of appropriate fuel, working CO detector. If the insurer can show the fire was caused by neglect (e.g., a chimney that was never swept), they may attempt to reduce or reject the claim. This is where a certified specialist report is critical.
The 5-Step Insurance Claim Process
Notify Your Insurer Immediately
Call your insurer as soon as possible after the chimney fire — most policies require prompt notification. Keep a record of the call, the time, and the reference number. Do not agree to any repairs or sign anything at this stage.
CCTV Inspection and Certified Damage Report
Your insurer will require a certified inspection report before approving any repairs. This must be carried out by a qualified specialist with a CCTV camera — the damage is inside the flue and cannot be assessed any other way. The report includes HD camera imagery, a written structural assessment, and a recommended scope of repair.
Loss Adjuster Appointed
For larger claims, your insurer will appoint a loss adjuster — an independent assessor who reviews the damage report and determines the scope and value of the approved repair. This is where having a specialist with established insurer relationships makes a significant difference. We know how loss adjusters work and how to present technical evidence in the way they expect it.
Claim Approved, Repair Scope Agreed
Once the loss adjuster has reviewed the report, the claim is approved and the scope of works is agreed in writing. This defines exactly what repairs will be covered and to what standard. Do not begin any repair work until this is in place in writing.
Repairs Carried Out and Chimney Returned to Safe Use
All agreed repairs are carried out — relining, stack rebuild, flashing renewal, or structural work — and the chimney is tested and commissioned. A completion report is provided to the insurer. Your chimney is safe to use again.
Why You Shouldn't Have to Deal With the Insurance Company
The insurance claims process is technical, time-consuming, and deliberately complicated — not because insurers are acting in bad faith, but because large claims require proper documentation and assessment. Most homeowners have no experience with this process and no idea how to present technical chimney damage evidence to a loss adjuster.
A qualified chimney specialist who works regularly with Irish insurers can manage the entire process on your behalf:
- Carry out the CCTV inspection and prepare the certified report
- Submit the report directly to your insurer in the format they require
- Liaise directly with the loss adjuster — answering technical questions, providing additional evidence if required
- Negotiate the repair scope to ensure everything genuinely required is covered
- Carry out all approved repairs to the highest standard
You don't deal with the insurance company at all. You make one phone call — to us — and we handle everything from inspection to completion.
Common Questions About Chimney Insurance Claims
Will making a claim increase my premium?
Possibly. Chimney fires are treated as accidental damage events. Your no-claims discount may be affected. This is a question for your insurer before you decide whether to claim. For large repairs (€3,000+), claiming is almost always worth it. For smaller jobs, it depends on your excess and how much your premium would increase.
What if the insurer tries to reject the claim?
A certified specialist report prepared by someone with established relationships with Irish insurers significantly reduces the risk of rejection. If a claim is rejected unfairly, you have the right to escalate to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). Having a solid technical report prepared by a qualified specialist is your strongest position.
How long does the claim process take?
From the initial call to us through to repairs complete: typically 4–8 weeks for straightforward cases. More complex claims, or those requiring full stack rebuilds with scaffolding, may take longer. Loss adjuster availability and insurer processing times vary.
Does the chimney need to be swept annually to be covered?
Most insurers recommend annual sweeping and some require it. If you have evidence of regular sweeping — receipts from a chimney sweep — this supports your claim. If the chimney was never swept, the insurer may argue contributory negligence. We can advise on this during the initial survey.
Had a chimney fire? One call handles everything.
Jonathon is qualified to provide certified insurance reports accepted by all major Irish insurers. We manage the entire claim. You don't deal with the insurance company at all. Nationwide coverage.