What can invalidate my home insurance?

Home insurance can be invalidated by non-disclosure, undeclared building works, leaving the property empty beyond the policy limit, poor maintenance, inadequate security, running a business from home without telling your insurer, incorrect valuations, subletting without notification, late reporting of claims, or using unqualified contractors.

Do I need to tell my insurer about building work?

Yes. Extensions, loft conversions or structural work can change the risk profile of your home. Always tell your insurer before work starts or related claims may be declined.

How long can my home be empty and still be covered?

Most home insurance policies cover unoccupied properties for up to 30 days, sometimes 60. If your home will be empty longer, notify your insurer to maintain cover.

Can poor maintenance affect a home insurance claim?

Yes. Insurers don’t cover damage caused by neglect or poor upkeep, such as leaks, damp or blocked gutters. Regular maintenance helps keep your policy valid.

Does running a business from home affect my insurance?

It can. Operating a business with stock, clients or specialist equipment changes your risk level. Inform your insurer to arrange appropriate business cover.

Will poor security invalidate my home insurance?

Leaving doors or windows unlocked, not using alarms or leaving keys in obvious places can be considered negligence. Theft claims may be rejected as a result.

What happens if I undervalue my home contents or rebuild cost?

If you undervalue your contents or rebuild cost, you may be underinsured. This means the insurer could only pay a proportion of your claim. Always use accurate valuations.

Do I need to tell my insurer if I take in a lodger or use Airbnb?

Yes. Subletting or using platforms like Airbnb changes your home’s risk profile. Failing to notify your insurer could invalidate your home insurance policy.

Do I have to report claims or incidents quickly?

Yes. Insurers expect prompt reporting of incidents, such as theft, damage or burglary. Delays or missing documentation can lead to claim refusal or reduced payouts.

Can using unqualified contractors affect my home insurance cover?

Yes. Work carried out by unqualified tradespeople or without required permits may void related claims. Always use certified contractors and retain proof of qualifications.

How can I avoid invalidating my home insurance?

Be honest and transparent with your insurer. Declare building work, security updates, occupancy changes, valuations, and maintenance issues. Regularly review your policy to ensure cover remains valid.

What Invalidates Home Insurance? 12 Costly Mistakes to Avoid

Home insurance is one of those essentials we often take for granted, but when the worst happens—fire, theft, flood or accidental damage—we want certainty that insurers will pay out. Unfortunately, some claims are declined not because of obscure clauses, but due to oversights homeowners don’t realise could invalidate cover.

Below are 12 common issues that could leave your home insurance void, and what to do about them.

1. Failing to Declare Building Work or Home Improvements

Home renovations that you need to inform your insurers about

If you’re planning an extension, converting your loft or knocking through internal walls, you must tell your insurer before work begins.

Renovations can increase risks of fire, flood or structural problems. Without notification, cover may not apply to incidents that occur during or after the work. Declaring building work is one of the top ways to keep your policy valid.

2. Leaving Your Home Empty Too Long

Unattended property with occupants away on holiday

Most standard policies only cover unoccupied homes for 30 days (some offer up to 60).

If you’ll be away longer—extended holiday, work placement or hospital stay—inform your insurer. Empty homes face higher risks of burglary, vandalism and burst pipes. Without notice, you could be uninsured.

3. Neglecting Maintenance

clearing the gutters in routine house maintenance

Policies won’t cover damage arising from poor upkeep. A leaking roof, blocked gutters or untreated damp can all be excluded. Insurers expect you to take reasonable steps to safeguard your property. Keep your home maintained to avoid claim issues.

4. Running a Business from Home Without Declaring It

Remote working is generally fine, but operating a business with stock, clients or specialist equipment changes your risk profile. If you run a salon, childminding service or retail operation, you’ll need specific cover. Failing to notify your insurer could invalidate your policy.

5. Not Keeping Your Home Properly Secure

secure door locks

If doors and windows are left unlocked, alarms aren’t activated or locks are faulty, an insurer may view it as negligence.

Leaving keys in obvious places—like under the doormat—can also void theft claims. Follow the security conditions in your policy.

6. Deliberate Damage

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

7. Misrepresenting or Omitting Information

When taking out or renewing a policy, provide accurate details about your property, usage and history. Failing to mention previous claims, who lives in the property or material risks could invalidate cover through misrepresentation or non-disclosure.

8. Incorrect Valuations of Contents or Property

If you underestimate rebuild costs, you risk underinsurance, meaning the insurer may only pay a proportion of any claim. Overstating values can increase premiums or raise fraud concerns. Keep valuations honest and updated.

9. Subletting or Renting Out Without Informing Your Insurer

Even a lodger or short-term letting (e.g., Airbnb) changes your risk profile. If your insurer isn’t told, your policy may be void. Always seek approval and the right cover.

10. Not Updating the Policy When Circumstances Change

Life changes—new partner moving in, expensive jewellery, or new family members—can affect your policy. If you don’t update your insurer, certain losses may not be covered.

11. Failing to Report Claims or Incidents Promptly

Most insurers require quick reporting of claims or incidents, especially theft, burglary or structural damage. Delays or incomplete evidence—such as photos or police reports—can result in rejection.

12. Using Unqualified Contractors or Unlawful Work

Hiring an uncertified electrician or plumber, or carrying out work without necessary permits, can lead to rejected claims related to that work. Use accredited tradespeople and keep proof of certification.

Don’t Forget

Policy wording varies—always read your documents carefully. Some exclusions are conditions precedent, where failure to comply can invalidate cover. Even if a policy isn’t voided entirely, payouts can be reduced proportionately.

With a bit of honesty and communication, invalidations are avoidable. Keep your insurer informed, maintain your home and review your policy regularly to ensure it fits your circumstances.

What Can Invalidate Your Home Insurance?