5 Ways in Which your Home Insurance Policy Could Become Invalid

As with any important document it’s vital that you read the small print on your home insurance policy as there could be a number of circumstances via which you are unwittingly putting your chances of making a valid claim in jeopardy. Just taking out an insurance policy and forgetting about it until renewal time isn’t enough; make sure you’re doing everything you can to fulfil your end of the bargain otherwise you could be in for a nasty surprise if you’re unfortunate enough to find yourself in a situation where you need to make a claim. Here follow a few examples:

Leaving windows unlocked or open

It’s not unusual to keep a window open from time to time during the summer months to help to bring the temperature down inside your property — but if a burglar accesses your home through an open or unlocked window then your cover may be nullified. Always keep windows locked in unoccupied rooms.

Unsecured tools

If you have easily accessible tools – kept in an unsecured shed, for example – that could feasibly be used to aid a burglar in entering your property then you may not be covered for any related losses. Similarly, if you have a ladder knocking about in your garden that a criminal could use to reach an entry point then that’s another sticking point. Keep all such tools locked away if at all possible.

Describing locks incorrectly

It’s very important that you accurately describe the type of locks your property features when filling out your home insurance paperwork, otherwise the whole thing could be void. For the same reasons, always contact your insurance provider to update your details if you ever upgrade your locks.

Unforced access

Don’t leave spare keys to your property in an obvious place such as under the doormat or a plant pot in the garden – burglars know all of the traditional places to check, and if they use your key to gain unforced entry to your property then the chances are that your insurance claim will be unsuccessful

Failure to obtain a crime number

If you’re unlucky enough to fall victim to a burglary at your home, be sure to report the incident to the police and obtain a crime number before contacting your insurance provider. Failure to do so could well lead to your claim being rejected.