Leaving a window open while you’re out (27%) is the top home insurance blunder. With holiday season now upon us, posting a picture of yourself on social media while you’re on holiday (16%) is second because it increases the chances of burglars being made aware that your home is empty. It is joined by failing to declare home renovations to your insurer (16%) – something that applies to larger home renovation projects such as a home extensions which boomed under lockdown.
When it comes to car insurance, 16% 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%) and having a car accident but not informing your insurer (11%).
Pet owners should be aware that the Highway Code states that animals need to be ‘suitably restrained’ to ensure they don’t distract the driver, and recommends either a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard in order to do so.
Top ways people have unknowingly voided their car insurance
1. Changed jobs/job title but not informed your provider– 16%
2. Driven with a pet on the seat unrestrained - 15%
3. Had an accident that has damaged your car but not informed their insurer – 11%
4. Failed to update your main address - 7%
5. Provided your insurer with incorrect information about overnight location for your car – 7%
Top ways people have unknowingly voided their home insurance
1. Left a window unlocked when leaving the house/flat – 27%
2. Posted a picture on social media whilst on holiday – 16%
3. Renovated your house/flat without notifying insurer (e.g: loft extensions) – 16%
4. Left a door unlocked when leaving a house – 12%
5. Had a friend to stay for over a month – 10%
Praksha Patel-Shah, insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, commented: “What our research underlines is the importance of understanding the key provisions of your main insurance policies, such as those covering your home and car.
“With holiday season finally here, many of us might be keen to share photos of our break on Instagram or take a drive with a pet unrestrained in your vehicle but seemingly innocuous acts like these can actually create more problems in the event of needing to make a claim, so it’s essential you’re clued up.
“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. If you haven’t, shop around for a better deal – you could save up to 46% on your home insurance2 and up to £236 on your car insurance3.
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