Why home insurance matters and how to avoid common pitfalls

Home insurance can play a vital role in safeguarding your property and possessions.

To help people protect their homes during summer, Hannah Davidson, Senior Underwriting Manager, Home and Lifestyle at Aviva, highlights several common mistakes that could unintentionally void a policy - and how to steer clear of them:

1. Neglecting property maintenance: Home insurance is a mutual agreement between you and your insurer, and one key condition is keeping your home in good repair. Failing to carry out necessary repairs or regular upkeep – such as clearing your gutters which could otherwise lead to water leaks - could put your cover at risk.
2. Not informing your insurer about renovations: Any structural changes – like installing a new kitchen, bathroom, or building an extension - can affect your policy. While cosmetic updates like painting don’t usually require notification, you should always inform your insurer about significant renovations, particularly if you have builders working in the property or the home is left unoccupied.
3. Running a business from home without disclosure: While most policies cover working from home, starting a home-based business may require a different type of insurance, which is why you’ll need to let your insurer know if you’re using your home for business purposes.
4. Leaving your home unoccupied for extended periods: Vacant homes are more vulnerable to issues like water leaks or break-ins. Most policies limit how long a property can be left empty (often no more than 60 days). If you plan to be away longer, notify your insurer and consider precautions like turning off the water supply.
5. Failing to secure your home properly: Making sure your home is secure is vital to protecting your home and belongings, particularly as Aviva claims data from last year revealed that theft accounted for 8% of all claims^[1]. If a break-in occurs due to easily avoidable lapses – such as leaving a key under a doormat or an unlocked door - your claim could be denied. If you do need to use an external keylock box, be sure to get one that is approved by the British Standards Institution – you can usually find this marking engraved on the key lock itself.
6. Subletting without permission: Some policies may allow short-term lets or home swaps but always check first. Renting out your home, even temporarily, might require specialist cover.
7. Intentional damage by policyholders: Insurance won’t cover deliberate damage caused by you or anyone else insured under the policy.
8. Not disclosing previous claims: Be honest about your claims history. Omitting or misrepresenting past claims when applying or renewing a policy could invalidate your cover, leaving your home and its items unprotected.
9. Misrepresenting the value of your contents: Overstating the value of your belongings can be seen as fraud, while undervaluing them may leave you underinsured. Most policies have limits for jewellery and other valuables but as the value of gold and precious stones can fluctuate, it’s worth having items valued regularly by a reputable provider. This can help make things easier in the unfortunate event you need to make a claim. Never exaggerate the value of your items as this could mean your claim is rejected.
10. Failing to review your policy regularly: Life changes, such as home improvements, new possessions, or family additions, can affect your needs when it comes to home cover. Review your policy regularly and consider optional extras like accidental damage cover to stay fully protected.

Hannah Davidson, Senior Underwriting Manager, Home and Lifestyle at Aviva, also comments on how to protect your home during periods of hot weather:

1. Check and check again – During hot weather, it’s common to leave windows and doors open to keep cool while at home. However, before leaving - even for just a few minutes - it’s essential to close and lock all doors, windows, and even things like dog flaps. If a theft occurs due to these being left open or unsecured, your insurance provider may not accept your claim.
2. Don’t forget about hoses and taps – Make sure all taps and hoses are turned off, and if you use garden watering timers, double-check that they’re set correctly. According to Aviva data, escape of water claims accounted for almost a quarter (24%) of all claims in 2024^[1], so it’s worth spending five minutes double checking to prevent a costly leak or flood. You could also consider installing a smart leak detection system, which uses sensors to detect and alert people of any escape of water, such as a broken pipe.
3. Remove any glass or mirrored items from direct sunlight – With extreme temperatures becoming the norm in the UK^[2], it’s important to remove any items that could either shatter or cause a fire by being in direct sunlight. Many outside tables, for example, will have glass tops so if you can, either move your table to a shadier part of your garden, or cover it up entirely. Move mirrors and glass ornaments away from windows as they can cause a fire if exposed to direct sunlight for too long.
4. Consider where you plant – Although planting trees or shrubs can be a good way to get some much-needed shade in your garden, avoid planting trees too close to your home, as this could potentially damage the foundations.
5. Clear your gutters – Thunderstorms can often follow periods of hot weather during the summer and despite usually being associated with autumn and winter maintenance, clearing your gutter is one way to prevent water damage to your roof, fascia and soffits. The great British weather can be unpredictable, and it pays to be prepared.

-ends-

References:

¹ _{Aviva home claims data from January – December 2024.  [↑]}

² _{https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news-and-media/media-centre/weather-and-climate-news/2025/annual-climate-stocktake-shows-weather-records-and-extremes-now-the-norm-in-uk-climate  [↑]}

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