Property Insurance Common Mistakes

By greenfieldinsurance | September 29, 2021
property insurance common mistakes

property insurance common mistakes

With online quote engines claiming to make your life easier we take a look at some of the property insurance common mistakes and reasons why claims get turned down

With online quote engines claiming to make your life easier, when it comes to home insurance it can be tempting to take out home insurance direct or via a Comparison website. As Insurance experts we understand the questions being asked by the insurers and the common mistakes made which result in claims being turned down

Some of the common mistakes that we’ve heard about:

1. Having a tenant or lodger but not telling your insurer or broker –

Any extra person in the house should be declared to your home insurer. In some cases; the insurer may decide to apply additional endorsements or charge a higher premium.

2. Having work done to your property –

Simple painting and decorating is never usually an issue but having a new kitchen or bathroom; having an extension or any structural work should always be declared to your insurer – again; whilst many of these scenarios are accepted by the insurers; in some cases the insurer may decide to apply additional endorsements

3. Not reading the assumptions –

Most online/direct insurers try to speed up the quote process by including an ‘assumptions’ page. This means that when you get a quote the insurer will have made a number of assumptions about you or the property and is often a page that is missed or not read correctly.
Unfortunately, if any of these assumptions are incorrect then this could be an insurers ‘get out of jail free’ card when it comes to settling a claim.

4. Not declaring criminal convictions and adverse financial history –

Any criminal conviction that is not classed as spent under the rehabilitation of offenders act should always be disclosed to an insurer.
The same with any adverse financial history (i.e. CCJ’s; previous bankruptcy; IVA’s etc) should always be declared.
This not only relates to the main policy-holder but also anyone who is a permanent resident at the home address.

5. Not declaring previous claims history –

All home insurers will ask for a history of claims that you have made within the last 5 years (some insurers ask for 3 years history but majority is 5 years)
Any claims or incidents that have occurred must be declared – even if the claim was declined or you had just called the insurers to see if something is covered. Many insurers will register the claim on a shared database called the Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE) – if you don’t declare your full history then future claims may not be met.

6. Putting off building repairs –

Owning your own home means you have a responsibility to fix problems. Not having that leaky pipe repaired, replacing that broken roof tile or not replacing the sealant around your bath.
If that problem gets worse and causes extensive damage that you need to claim for could mean that your claim is turned down. Home insurers will only pay for claims that are sudden and unexpected.
Don’t forget that if your circumstances change after you have taken a policy you should inform your insurer or broker so the policy can be updated.
An insurance broker, such as Greenfield Insurance, will ask additional questions to ensure that they know you and your property well. By having this relationship with your broker you are more likely to have your claim paid should the worst happen.
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