Common Home Insurance Exclusions You Should Know

What Is Home Insurance and What Does It Cover?

Home insurance keeps your property and belongings safe from unexpected events like fire, theft, and accidental damage. A typical insurance policy has two main parts. One part is buildings insurance, which covers the structure of your home. The other part is contents insurance, which protects your personal belongings.

Home insurance policies give you peace of mind. But they also have some exclusions that could prevent you from successfully making an insurance claim. Knowing what is covered and what is not can help you avoid issues with your policy. It will also ensure you get the right level of cover.

What Are the Most Common Home Insurance Exclusions?

1. General Wear and Tear

One common thing that is not covered in home insurance policiesis general wear and tear. Home insurance covers damage that happens suddenly and unexpectedly. It does not cover the slow decline of a home over time.

Examples of wear and tear that aren’t covered:

• Roof damage happens because it gets old, not because of storms.

• A boiler breakdown is due to old parts. Insurance does not cover this.

• Carpets often fade, and wallpaper can peel over time.

2. Accidental Damage (Unless Specifically Covered)

Many home insurance policies do not cover accidental damage. To get accidental damage cover, you need to pay an additional premium.

Common accidental damage exclusions:

• Red wine can spill on carpets.

• There can be cracked sinks or tiles in the bathroom.

• Screens can break when mobile phones are dropped.

If you want to avoid these types of accidents, you need to add accidental damage cover to your insurance policy.

3. Home Business Use

If you operate a business from home, your home insurance may not protect you against damage that occurs due to that business use.

Exclusions include:

• Damage to business items like laptops, printers, and office furniture.

• Liability claims if a client visits your home and gets hurt.

• Loss or theft of work-related mobile phones or other electronics.

To keep your business safe, you may need to buy several types of business insurance.

4. High-Value Items (Unless Declared)

Most home insurance policies restrict the coverage amount for each valuable item.

Common exclusions include:

• Jewellery that costs more than what the policy allows for one item.

• Expensive appliances or electronic devices.

• Special collectibles or artwork.

If you own valuable belongings, let your insurance provider know. You may also want to add coverage for specific items.

5. Unoccupied Properties

If your home is empty for a long time, like 30 to 60 days, your standard home insurance might not cover everything.

Common exclusions for unoccupied properties:

• Theft or harm caused by vandalism.

• Leaks and harm from broken pipes.

• Damage caused by lack of heating in winter.

If you want to leave your home empty for some time, consider getting special insurance for properties that are not lived in.

6. Building Work and Renovations

Major building work, such as loft conversions, extensions, and renovations, can stop your home insurance. This may occur if you don’t inform your insurer before you start.

Exclusions for renovations:

• Damage caused by builders or tradespeople.

• Structural issues from home upgrades.

• Theft of materials or tools left outside your house.

Before you begin any renovations, check your policy. Speak with your insurance provider about your coverage.

7. Lodgers and Airbnb Rentals

If you rent a room to a lodger or use your home for short-term stays on Airbnb, you should look at your home insurance. Your insurance policy might not protect you from damages that tenants cause.

Common exclusions for rental properties:

• Theft or harm caused by the tenant.

• Accidental damage to personal belongings.

• Claims for injury if a tenant is hurt on your property.

If you rent out your property, you may need landlord insurance instead of regular home insurance.

8. Damage Caused by Pets

Most home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by pets. This includes issues like:

• Floors, carpets, or furniture that are scratched.

• Chewed wires or things in your home.

• Pet stains on carpets or furniture.

• If you have pets, consider getting pet damage cover if it is an option.

9. Damage from Pests

Pest problems, like rats, termites, or bedbugs, usually aren’t covered by normal home insurance.

Exclusions include:

• The cost to remove pests.

• Damage caused to appliances, wires, or insulation by pests.

• Any repairs needed due to a pest issue.

If you are concerned about pests, check to see if your home emergency cover includes pest control.

10. Floods and Natural Disasters

Standard home insuranceusually does not include coverage for floods, earthquakes, or landslides.

Exclusions include:

• Homes in places with a high chance of flooding need extra insurance.

• Damage from rising water levels is not covered unless stated in the policy.

• Land can shrink due to natural disasters.

If you live where floods might happen, check if your insurance provider offers flood coverage.

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How to Avoid Common Home Insurance Pitfalls

• Read the small print: Your policy has many exclusions in the details.

• Check the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) registrationof your insurer.

• Declare valuable belongingsto ensure they are covered.

• Consider extra premiumsfor accidental damage coveror home emergency cover.

• Keep up with maintenanceto avoid claim denials due to wear and tear.

FAQs About Home Insurance Exclusions