Could you be invalidating your home insurance without realising?

Home insurance may not be a legal requirement, but it’s essential if you want to protect your belongings against theft or damage.

Avoid invalidating your cover

Even households that have cover in place need to take care to ensure they don’t accidentally render their policy worthless. Although many householders are aware that actions such as leaving a window open whilst out could invalidate a consequent claim, fewer realise that most insurers limit the number of days their home can be left unoccupied.

This has proved particularly problematic during lockdown, with many people temporarily moving in with loved ones or left stranded overseas. Many insurers have agreed to extend cover beyond the typical 30 days if a property is left unoccupied for COVID-related reasons, but it’s still good practice to inform the insurer of any change in circumstances.

Carrying out renovations has also been popular during lockdown and whilst smaller DIY tasks such as updating a kitchen or bathroom are unlikely to impact home insurance, more extensive work such as a loft conversion will have an effect. Insurers should therefore be informed of any major property changes before work starts.

It’s also best to speak to your insurer if you plan to rent out your spare room to a lodger. Although it may lead to a rise in premiums, this will ensure the policy remains valid.

Keeping us in the loop

The best way to ensure you don’t invalidate cover is to keep us up to date with any changes to your circumstances or property. For advice on finding the right home insurance policy, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

As a mortgage is secured against your home or property, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up mortgage repayments.