What Can Invalidate Your Home Insurance Policy?
12 commonly overlooked mistakes that could leave your property without cover
Home insurance is something many people only think about when something goes wrong. But when events like fire, flooding, theft, or accidental damage occur, homeowners understandably expect their policy to respond.
Unfortunately, claims are sometimes rejected not because of hidden technicalities, but due to simple oversights that policyholders may not realise can invalidate their cover.
Below are 12 key issues that could jeopardise your home insurance and how to avoid them.
1. Not informing your insurer about building work or renovations
If you’re planning an extension, loft conversion, structural alterations, or even knocking through internal walls, your insurer must be told in advance.
Renovation work increases the risk of incidents such as fire, water damage, and structural issues. If your insurer isn’t aware, your cover may be restricted or void. Undeclared building work is one of the most common reasons policies are cancelled always notify your insurer before work begins.
2. Leaving your property empty for extended periods
Most home insurance policies only allow a property to be unoccupied for around 30 days (some allow up to 60). If you’re away longer, whether due to travel, work commitments, or a hospital stay, you must inform your insurer.
Empty homes face higher risks from burglary, vandalism, and burst pipes, particularly during colder months. Failing to declare extended absence could result in your cover lapsing without warning.
3. Poor or neglected property maintenance
Insurance does not cover damage caused by gradual deterioration or lack of upkeep. For example, untreated damp or long-standing leaks that worsen over time may be excluded from any claim.
Insurers expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to maintain their property. Failing to do so could affect whether a claim is accepted.
4. Running a business from home without disclosure
While working from home is usually acceptable, operating a business (especially one involving clients, equipment, stock, or visitors) changes your risk profile.
Activities such as home salons, childcare services, or retail operations often require additional or specialist cover. If your insurer isn’t informed, your policy could be invalidated.
5. Inadequate home security
Leaving doors or windows unlocked, failing to set alarms, or having faulty locks may be considered negligence by insurers. Theft claims can also be rejected if keys are left in obvious or accessible places, such as under a mat or in a plant pot.
6. Intentional or deliberate damage
Home insurance does not cover damage that is intentionally caused by you or anyone living in your household. This includes deliberate breakages, vandalism, or malicious acts.
7. Providing incorrect or incomplete information
When arranging or renewing a policy, it’s essential to provide accurate and complete details about your property, its use, and your insurance history.
Failing to disclose previous claims, household occupants, or other relevant risks can result in your cover being voided.
8. Incorrect valuation of your home or contents
Underestimating rebuild costs or the value of your belongings can leave you underinsured, meaning any payout may be reduced proportionately.
Overestimating values can also cause issues, including unnecessarily high premiums or concerns about potential fraud. Accurate, honest valuations are key.
9. Renting out or subletting without notifying your insurer
Whether you take in a lodger, rent your home short-term, or let it out entirely, your insurer must be informed. Even temporary arrangements, such as holiday lets, alter the risk profile of the property.
Failure to disclose this could invalidate your policy.
10. Not updating your policy after life changes
Life changes, such as a partner moving in, purchasing high-value items, or welcoming a new family member, can affect your cover.
If your insurer isn’t updated, certain losses or items may not be included in a claim.
11. Delayed or incomplete claims reporting
Most insurers require incidents to be reported promptly, particularly for theft, burglary, or structural damage.
Delays, missing documentation, or lack of supporting evidence (such as photos or police reports) can result in a claim being declined.
12. Using unqualified tradespeople or carrying out unauthorised work
Claims may be rejected if damage results from work completed by unqualified contractors or from renovations carried out without the necessary permissions or certifications.
Always ensure electricians, plumbers, and builders are properly accredited and compliant with regulations.
Key Things to Remember
Policy wording varies, so always read your documents carefully
Some exclusions are conditions precedent, meaning non-compliance can invalidate cover entirely
Even when a policy isn’t voided, claims may still be reduced proportionately
Clear communication and honesty with your insurer can prevent most issues
Keeping your insurer informed, maintaining your home, and reviewing your policy regularly are simple steps that help ensure your cover remains valid and suitable for your needs.
If you need to review or make changes to your home insurance policy, you can do so through your online insurance account.
