Here are 10 things that can invalidate home insurance and what to do instead to stay protected if you need to make a claim.
1. Not having adequate content cover
Underestimating the value of your belongings can leave you underinsured. If you need to make a claim, your insurer might only pay a portion of the loss. On the flip side, overestimating can be seen as fraud and may invalidate your policy. It's worth regularly reviewing your contents insurance policy, especially after big purchases to ensure you have adequate cover. There are many contents calculators available that can help work out how much cover you need.
2. Not looking after your house keys
It is your responsibility to ensure you have taken reasonable steps to secure your home to reduce the risk of break-ins. Leaving keys in obvious places could be seen as negligence and potentially void your insurance if there's a claim. Burglary claims involving keys are often closely examined by insurers, and if they believe you didn’t take proper precautions, your claim could be denied. Always store keys securely, and only give spares to trusted family members or neighbours.
3. Broken smoke alarms
Did you know that you’re around 8 times more likely to die in a fire if you do not have a working smoke alarm in your home? Smoke alarms are essential for early fire detection. It's important to regularly test and maintain your alarms to ensure they're in working order. It's also advised that all types of smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
You don't need to have a smoke alarm in order to buy home insurance. But, if you declare that you have them and they're not working during a fire incident, it could affect your claim. Most homes have at least one smoke alarm on every floor and a heat alarm in the kitchen.
4. Not having accidental damage cover
Many standard policies don't cover accidental damage. Without this add-on, claims for accidental damage such as spilt paint on carpets can be rejected. It might be a good idea to review your policy and consider adding accidental damage cover for more comprehensive protection.
5. Not maintaining your property
Not staying on top of routine maintenance, such as clearing your gutters or servicing your boiler, can lead to damage or costly repairs. Insurers might not pay out if they find that your claim has been caused as a result of poor upkeep. Good home maintenance can help to identify problems before major repairs or claims are needed.
6. Not keeping your home secure
Insurance providers expect you to take reasonable steps to protect your home. If a burglar gets in without any sign of forced entry, your claim could be turned down. So it's important to lock up properly to stay covered. Always double-check that doors and windows are locked, especially when you're leaving your home or going away for a few days. It's also worth learning about the different types of door locks and how they affect your policy.
7. Carrying out building work
If you're planning renovations or building work, don’t forget to inform your insurer. Even if the work seems small, structural changes can affect how your home is assessed for risk. Failing to notify your insurer could mean you're not fully covered if something goes wrong. It's always worth double-checking your policy to see if DIY and building work are covered.
8. Failing to inform your policy provider about home alternations
Undertaking renovations without informing your insurer could affect your cover. Whether you're installing a new kitchen, upgrading your bathroom, or converting the attic, home improvements can increase both the value of your property and the risk associated with insuring it.
Some renovations might involve structural changes, new electrical or plumbing work, or the use of contractors, all of which can impact your policy. Even cosmetic updates can matter if they significantly boost the home’s value. If your insurer isn’t aware of the changes, they might not pay out in full, or at all, if you need to claim later. Always let them know before work starts so they can update your policy if needed and ensure you stay covered throughout the renovation process.
9. Leaving your home unoccupied
Most home insurance policies only cover properties that aren’t left empty for too long, usually around 30 days. If your home will be unoccupied for longer, let your insurer know. They might recommend additional cover, like unoccupied property insurance or holiday home insurance, to keep you protected.
10. Not having the right level of excess
Opting for a higher excess might lower your premium, but it can backfire if you ever need to make a claim. If the cost of the damage is less than your excess, you’ll be covering it out of pocket.
Make sure the amount you choose is not only realistic but also affordable if something does go wrong. It’s a good idea to review this regularly and adjust it as your circumstances change.
How can I ensure my home is covered?
- Regularly review your policy: Ensure it reflects your current living situation and the value of your belongings, especially after big purchases or changes.
- Maintain your property: Stay on top of general maintenance like clearing gutters or fixing leaks to avoid problems down the line.
- Secure your home: Always double-check windows and doors before leaving.
- Inform your insurer: Whether it’s a renovation project or an extended trip away, keeping your provider in the loop helps maintain your cover.
- Consider additional cover: It may be worth considering optional extras like accidental damage or personal possessions cover.
FAQs
Does a key safe invalidate house insurance?
Not necessarily. Using a key safe doesn’t automatically void your insurance, but it must be securely installed and well-hidden. If the code is easy to guess or widely shared, it could be seen as negligence. Always choose a high-quality, police-approved model and keep the code confidential.
Do burglar alarms affect home insurance?
Yes, they can. Having a burglar alarm, especially one that’s professionally installed and regularly maintained, may lead to lower premiums with some insurers. But if you have an alarm and don’t use it when a break-in happens, it could impact your claim. Always activate it when you leave the house.
Is house insurance invalid if you post on social media?
It’s not automatically invalidated, but posting about being away (like on holiday) can make your home a target. If your home is burgled and your insurer finds that social media posts suggested the house was empty, they might question or deny the claim. It’s safest to share updates once you’re back home.
Can I make a claim if I didn’t inform my insurer about building work?
It depends on the nature of the work. Failing to report significant renovations or structural changes can result in a denied claim, especially if the work increases the risk to your property. Always notify your insurer before any major work begins to keep your cover valid.
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