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Tips to Avoid Invalidating Your Home Insurance from Confused.com
Wednesday, 09 Apr 2008 12:22
Every year, some homeowners and tenants are left footing the bill for a break-in or damage to their property despite having perfectly good home insurance. Even though these people diligently pay their premiums, insurance providers may still refuse claims. But it’s not the insurance company’s fault – in fact, the blame lies squarely with the policyholder for invalidating their home insurance cover.
But invalidating your home insurance is easier than you think…
Burglary
A burglary claim, for instance, could be refused or the payout reduced if:
- A policyholder incorrectly describes their door locks on the insurance application form
- You fit new doors and windows but don’t update the insurer with your new lock/security details
- A theft goes unreported to the police and no crime number is assigned
- A policyholder fails to secure items kept in the garden (barbeques, lawn mowers etc) that are not specifically covered by the policy
- Tools left outside are used to break into the house (ladders, hammers etc)
- The house is left unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days
- Windows are left open or unlocked, allowing a burglar easy access
Home Improvements
Many people also don’t realise that getting the builders in could invalidate their buildings or contents insurance, and any resulting claim could be denied. For instance, if heavy rain causes internal water damage whilst having tiling work done on your roof – you may not be able to claim unless you notified the insurance provider before works commenced.
There may also be an increased risk of burglary if external windows, doors walls etc need to be removed. So if builders are on site, let your home insurance provider know about the increased risk – there may be a temporary hike in premiums but at least you’ll be properly covered.
Failure to Disclose
Failure to disclose a ‘material fact’ on the home insurance application form may also invalidate a policy. An example of this would be stating your property has no history of flood damage when the opposite is true. Don’t be tempted to bend the truth slightly to get a cheaper quote and never guess answers on the application form. Inaccurate information could invalidate your insurance contract and leave you severely out of pocket should the worst happen.
Read the Small Print
The best way to make sure your buildings or contents insurance remains valid is to read the policy small print – it will tell you everything you’re covered for and everything that could invalidate your home insurance. And if you’re still not sure, ask the insurance company – it could end up saving you thousands of pounds.