Tamzin said: "Summer is when home insurance catches people out the most. When you're focused on packing and getting to the airport, the last thing on your mind is reading your policy small print. But that's exactly where things go wrong. A rejected claim or a voided policy is a nasty surprise to come home to, and in most cases, a few simple checks before leaving would have prevented it entirely."
1. Breaching the 30-day unoccupancy rule
Most standard home insurance policies reduce or exclude cover once a property sits empty for more than 30 consecutive days. Defaqto data shows 74% of buildings policies extend that to 60 days, but that still catches families taking longer summer breaks off guard. Checking policy documents before travel is essential, as some insurers offer extended unoccupancy cover or add-ons for longer periods away.
2. Not telling your insurer you’re going away
Many policies require policyholders to notify their insurer if a property will be empty for more than 30 days. It's the kind of clause most people overlook when booking a holiday but skipping it could be the difference between a valid claim and a rejected one. A quick call or message to your insurer before leaving takes minutes and could save thousands.
3. Leaving a spare key outside
A key under a doormat or tucked beneath a plant pot feels like a sensible backup before heading off, but insurers treat it as negligence, and it can invalidate any theft claim outright. Spare keys should be left with a trusted family member or neighbour instead.
4. Switching off your home alarm to save money
Pausing a home monitoring subscription before a holiday might seem like a sensible way to save a few pounds. But many home insurance policies contain security maintenance conditions requiring alarms to remain active while the property is empty. Cancelling or switching off a monitored alarm could breach those conditions and put any burglary claim at risk, turning a small saving into a much larger loss.
5. Forgetting to update your contents sum insured
Failing to update a contents sum insured before travelling is one of the most widespread gaps in home cover. GoCompare's own research found 67% of Brits have never totalled the value of their home contents. This means underinsurance is already widespread before a single summer purchase is made. Buying new items and failing to update the policy means any payout in a claim will fall short of the actual loss.
Tamzin added: "None of these mistakes are difficult to avoid, but they are easy to miss when a holiday is on your mind. Check your policy, let your insurer know your plans, and make sure your contents cover reflects what you actually own. It takes less time than packing, and it means you can come home to the same peace of mind you left with."
|
