Insurance
Insta snaps and home renovations: how Brits risk voiding their insurance
Research shows the common mistakes people make that could invalidate their home or car insurance policies.
The top home insurance blunder was leaving a window open when going out, an error made by more than a quarter (27 per cent) of people quizzed by MoneySuperMarket.
Posting holiday pictures on social media – flagging to potential burglars that your home is empty – was the second most common error (16 per cent).
Another mistake made by 16 per cent of respondents was failing to declare home renovations to an insurer – something that applies to larger projects such as a home extensions, which boomed under lockdown.
When it comes to car insurance, 16 per cent of drivers are not aware that changing jobs or job titles without informing their insurer could potentially void their policy. This is followed by driving with a pet unrestrained on your passenger seat (15 per cent) and having a car accident but not informing your insurer (11 per cent).
Praksha Patel-Shah, insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said “seemingly innocuous acts” can create more problems in the event of needing to make a claim.
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She said: “If you haven’t read your policies for a while, re-read them to familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions to ensure that you’ve got the right cover for your needs.”
Top ways people have unknowingly voided their car insurance
- Changed jobs/job title but not informed your provider– 16%
- Driven with a pet on the seat unrestrained – 15%
- Had an accident that has damaged your car but not informed their insurer – 11%
- Failed to update your main address – 7%
- Provided your insurer with incorrect information about overnight location for your car – 7%
Top ways people have unknowingly voided their home insurance
- Left a window unlocked when leaving the house/flat – 27%
- Posted a picture on social media whilst on holiday – 16%
- Renovated your house/flat without notifying insurer (e.g: loft extensions) – 16%
- Left a door unlocked when leaving a house – 12%
- Had a friend to stay for over a month – 10%