A single oversight can invalidate your house insurance, leaving you unprotected when you need it most. Common causes include leaving windows or doors unlocked, failing to declare building works or renovations, using a key safe without informing your insurer, and leaving your home unoccupied for longer than your policy allows. Even seemingly harmless actions—like sleeping with windows open, setting up a business from home, or not maintaining your property—can void your cover. According to recent research, an astonishing 75% of UK homeowners have taken steps that could risk invalidating their insurance policy, with 48% admitting to leaving doors or windows open during summer. Worryingly, recent figures show that only 76% of home insurance claims are accepted, down from 93% five years ago, and some insurers now reject up to two-thirds of claims.
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What can invalidate house insurance?
It’s vital to read your policy documents and update your insurer about any changes to your home or circumstances. For example, does leaving window open invalidate insurance? Yes, if a burglary occurs and there’s no forced entry, your claim could be rejected. Similarly, does a key safe invalidate home insurance? It can, if the safe isn’t approved by your insurer or is used incorrectly. Reddit users and insurance professionals alike stress the importance of securing your home and being honest with your insurer—one user shared how a claim was denied after leaving a door unlocked, while another highlighted that insurers may refuse cover for homes in “unacceptable areas” or with high flood risk.
To help you avoid these pitfalls, here’s a table summarising the most common reasons house insurance can be invalidated:
| Reason for Invalidation | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Leaving windows/doors unlocked | Insurers may reject claims if there’s no evidence of forced entry. |
| Not declaring renovations or building work | Failing to inform your insurer about changes can void your policy. |
| Using a key safe incorrectly | Some insurers won’t pay out if a burglar uses a key from a poorly secured or undisclosed safe. |
| Leaving property unoccupied too long | Most policies only cover homes left empty for up to 30 days without notification. |
| Running a business from home | Not all policies cover business use—always check with your insurer. |
| Failing to maintain the property | Poor maintenance can be grounds for claim rejection. |
| Inaccurate information on application | Any misrepresentation can lead to a void policy. |
| Not activating burglar alarms | If you’ve declared an alarm but don’t use it, your claim may be refused. |
| Allowing lodgers or subletting | Not all policies cover lodgers or sublets—always declare this. |
Let’s look at a real-life scenario: John from Doncaster inherited a property but left it unoccupied for several months while sorting out probate. When a pipe burst and caused major damage, his insurer refused the claim because the house had been empty for longer than his policy allowed. If you’re in a similar situation, need to sell inherited house, or are struggling with problematic insurance, Property Saviour can help. We buy any property, providing certainty and speed—get in touch for a guaranteed sale and peace of mind.
Does scaffolding invalidate house insurance?
Yes, if you have building works or scaffolding and don’t tell your insurer, your policy may be voided or restricted.
Do insurance companies try to get out of paying?
Recent statistics show that nearly three in ten claims are rejected, and some insurers have acceptance rates as low as 30–45%. This highlights the importance of following your policy’s terms closely.
Why would you be refused home insurance?
Common reasons include living in a high-risk area, having a history of claims, or failing to provide accurate information.
Can insurance reject a claim?
Absolutely—claims are often rejected due to non-disclosure, lack of security, or not following policy conditions.
Do I need to declare a spoiler to insurance?
While this is more relevant to car insurance, the principle applies: always declare modifications or changes to avoid invalidation.
Key Tips to Keep Your House Insurance Valid
Always lock doors and windows, especially when away.
Inform your insurer of any renovations, building works, or changes in occupancy.
Use only insurer-approved key safes and keep codes secure.
Don’t leave your property empty for longer than your policy allows.
Keep your property well maintained and up to date with repairs.
Be honest and accurate with all information you provide.
If you’re unsure about your insurance or facing issues with your property, Property Saviour is here to help. As a cash house buyer, we offer a guaranteed sale with empathy and understanding—get in touch today for a no-obligation chat and let us help you move forward, whatever your situation.
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