A recent report reveals that 75% of UK homeowners may unknowingly be putting their home insurance at risk,1 potentially leaving them without coverage when they need it most.
With this in mind, experts at home and property experts Alan Boswell Group investigated how UK homeowners might inadvertently invalidate their home insurance, how much it could potentially cost in losses, and what to do to mitigate these risks.
These mistakes could be invalidating your home insurance
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Leaving Your Home Empty for Too Long – Costs of up to £3,000
When your home is vacant, it becomes an attractive target for theft or damage, risks that standard insurance may not cover. Typically, a burglar causes £1,413 in damage and steals goods worth £2,856.2 To protect yourself, inform your insurer if your home will be empty for more than 30 days— as often cover is automatically restricted after a certain period, they may offer temporary coverage or advice on reducing these risks.
Heath Alexander-Bew, expert at Alan Boswell Group, advises “notifying your insurer if your property will be empty for an extended period.” Extra precautions like installing security systems or asking a trusted neighbour to check in can prevent potential losses of.
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Risky Renovations – Costs of up to £5,000
Before diving into renovations, it’s essential to understand how changes to your home can affect its value and your insurance coverage. Significant renovations can leave you underinsured if your policy isn’t updated, which means costly repairs might not be covered. This could lead to you having to fork out up to £5,000 in repair costs.3
If you’re planning a major renovation, such as adding an extension, converting a loft, or knocking down internal walls, make sure to notify your insurer. These kinds of structural changes can significantly alter the value and integrity of your home. Ensuring your policy reflects the updated value of your home and covers any potential risks is essential. Usually accidental damage, faulty workmanship are excluded whilst building works are in progress.
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Running a Business from Home – Varying serious financial costs
Running a business from home might seem convenient, but it can lead to significant risks if not properly insured.4 Standard home insurance may provide cover for administration based work by you and your family members, but often doesn’t cover business equipment or liabilities, without extending the cover or arranging separate business insurance, leaving you vulnerable to gaps in coverage.
“To protect yourself, it’s crucial to declare any business activities or home offices to your insurer,” advises Alexander-Bew. “By doing so, your policy can be adjusted to cover business-related risks, helping you avoid denied claims for equipment or liability issues. It’s all about ensuring your home-based business is fully protected.”
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Entering the Wrong Details for Your Cover – Costs of up to £30,000
Inaccurate information on your insurance policy can lead to significant problems down the line. For example, undervaluing your items or failing to mention flood risks can result in denied claims. If the details about your home are incorrect, your insurer may deny claims, leaving you unprotected when you need it most. Flooding alone could cause £30,000 in damages—costs you would have to cover if your insurance is invalidated.5
“To avoid this, it’s vital to ensure that all the information you provide to your insurer is accurate and up-to-date,” advises Alexander-Bew. “This includes specifics like the correct rebuilding sum insured, number of bedrooms, construction, year of build and whether listed Failing to do so could result in denied claims for structural damage or property repairs. Precision is key to safeguarding your home and investment.”
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Skipping Repairs – Costs of up to £10,000
Skipping maintenance might seem like a way to save time and money, but it can lead to preventable damage that your insurer may refuse to cover. Regular upkeep is essential to protecting your home and avoiding costly repairs down the line. To fix a severe damp issue on one side of a house, budget around £10,000. This covers insulation repairs, re-plastering two affected rooms, new carpets, and replacing damaged skirting and floorboards.6
Alexander-Bew comments: “Neglecting repairs can result in significant out-of-pocket expenses, especially if the damage was preventable. Conduct regular maintenance like clearing guttering, repainting doors and windows if applicable, and address issues like leaks, loose pathing slabs or broken windows promptly. This proactive approach can save you money and keep your home in top condition.”
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Renting Out Your Home – Varying serious financial costs
Renting out your home might seem like a great way to generate extra income, but it comes with added risks. Tenant-related damage is a common issue that might not be covered if your insurance policy isn’t updated to reflect these new risks.7
Alexander-Bew advises: “If you plan to rent out your property, it’s essential to notify your insurer. They may be able to adjust your coverage to include tenant-related risks, or you may need to arrange separate landlord buildings and contents insurance, helping you avoid costs for damage or liability. Taking this step ensures both you and your property are fully protected.”
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Missing Lock Upgrades – Costs of up to £3,000[8]
Skipping required security upgrades, like installing new locks, can leave you vulnerable to burglary and may even void your insurance coverage.
Alexander-Bew, comments: “Installing British standard required security measures could be crucial to maintaining your coverage. Failing to do so could result in financial losses from burglary or theft. Ensure that your locks and alarm systems meet your insurer’s specifications to protect your home and belongings.”
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Posting Photos of Yourself Away from Home – Costs of up to £3,000[8]
Sharing your travels on social media might seem harmless, but it can signal to burglars that your home is unoccupied, potentially leading to break-ins.
“Broadcasting your absence online can invite theft and may even result in denied insurance claims,” warns Alexander-Bew. “To stay safe, delay posting photos until you return home and review your privacy settings.”
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Installing a Dog Flap – Costs of up to £3,000[8]
Adding a dog flap can seem convenient, but if it’s not securely installed, it can become an entry point for burglars, potentially invalidating your insurance.
“Ensure your dog flap is professionally installed and secure,” advises Alexander-Bew. “Opt for lockable versions when you’re away, and inform your insurer. This simple step can prevent losses and protect your coverage in case of a break-in.
Heath Alexander-Bew, expert at Alan Boswell Group, explains why avoiding mistakes with your home insurance is crucial:
“Ensuring that your home insurance is accurate and up-to-date is crucial as it safeguards not only your property, but also your financial stability. A well-maintained policy provides peace of mind by covering you against unforeseen risks and ensuring that, in times of crisis, you’re not left with unmanageable costs. Accuracy in your insurance details is not just a formality—it’s a vital step in protecting your home and your future.”