What Could Invalidate Your Home Insurance?

The 12 easy-to-miss mistakes that could leave your home uninsured

The importance of home insurance is often overlooked, but when the worst happens, such as a fire, theft, flood, or accidental damage, we want our insurers to be able to provide the coverage we require.

Sadly, some claims are declined not because of obscure clauses, but because of oversights or mistakes that homeowners do not even realise could invalidate their policies.

These are 12 issues that could leave your home insurance void, and how to fix them.

1. Failure to declare building work or home improvements

Before starting work on an extension, converting your loft, or knocking through internal walls, you must notify your insurer.

The risk of fire, flood, and structural problems increases during renovations, and if your insurer isn't notified, your coverage may not apply.

Building work is one of the top reasons why policies can be canceled, so inform your insurer!

2. Leaving your home unoccupied for too long

Unoccupied homes are typically covered for 30 days (some offer up to 60 days). If you're going to be away for a longer period, whether on vacation, on work placement, or in the hospital, you need to let your insurer know. The risk of burglary, vandalism, or burst pipes is higher in winter when empty homes are left unattended. It is possible for you to become uninsured without notice.

3. Neglecting Maintenance

A policy won't cover damage caused by poor maintenance. Untreated damp left to worsen, for example, can be excluded from coverage.

The insurance industry expects homeowners to take all practical and reasonable precautions to protect their property. If you don’t keep your property maintained and in good condition, it might affect a claim. 

4. Operating a business from home without declaring it

Remote work is generally covered, but operating a business with stock, clients, or equipment can change your risk profile. Home-based salons, childminding services, and retail businesses need specific insurance coverage. In the event that you fail to notify your insurer, your policy may be void.

5. Not securing your home properly

It may be considered negligence by an insurer if doors and windows aren't locked, alarms aren't activated, or locks aren't working properly. Theft claims can also be void if keys are left in obvious places (such as under the doormat).

6. Deliberate Damage

Insurance won’t cover intentional damage caused by the homeowner or household members. This includes vandalism, malicious damage, or deliberate breakages.

7. Misrepresenting or Omitting Information

When taking out or renewing a policy, you must give accurate details about your property, its use, and your history. Failing to mention previous claims, who lives in the property, or material risks could invalidate cover.

8. Incorrect Valuations of Contents or Property

If you underestimate rebuild costs, you risk being underinsured, meaning the insurer may only pay a proportion of any claim.

If you overstate values, you may pay unnecessarily high premiums or raise suspicions about fraudulent intent. Honest valuations are crucial.

9. Renting or subletting without informing your insurer

Your home's risk profile changes even if you take in a lodger or rent your property short-term (e.g. Airbnb). Your policy may be voided if your insurer doesn't know.

10. Failing to update the policy when circumstances change

The changes that happen in life... such as your partner moving in, expensive jewelry, or a new family member. Certain losses may not be covered if you don't update your insurer.

 11. Neglecting to report claims or incidents in a timely manner

The majority of insurers require quick reporting of claims or incidents (especially theft, burglary, or structural damage). Rejection can be caused by delays or incomplete evidence (such as photos or police reports).

 12. Using Unqualified Contractors or Carrying Out Unlawful Work

It is possible that insurers may reject claims if you hire an uncertified electrician or plumber, or if you carry out work without necessary permits. Make sure that tradespeople are appropriately accredited before hiring them.

Don’t Forget

• The wording of insurance policies varies, so always read your documents carefully.
  
  
• Some exclusions are "conditions precedent," meaning that failure to comply invalidates coverage.
  
  
• Claims can still be reduced proportionately even if the policy is not voided entirely.

The simple act of communication and honesty can clearly prevent invalidations.

You should keep your insurer informed, maintain your home, and review your policy regularly to ensure it's right for you.