You may be going about your business thinking that your property insurance will cover anything and everything that happens in your home, but, this isn't entirely true. There are times when your insurance provider may not completely pay out your claim, or worse may reject your claim or cancel your coverage all together:
1. Leaving your home unoccupied
When no one is home, your home is more susceptible to burglary and vandalism. Extended absences from the home also means that damage, say from a burst pipe, will be more extensive. This is why insurers typically require you to inform them if your home is going to be vacant for an extended length of time—usually 30 days. If you don't let them know, you run the risk of having a claim denied should anything happen.
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2. Causing deliberate damage or using your home for illegal activities
Trashing your home on purpose is not covered by your home insurance, leaving you to pick up the pieces—and the tab—on your own. The same is true if it's found that there are illegal activities going on in the house.
3. Neglecting regular maintenance
Damaged caused by a leaky roof or blocked gutter likely won't be covered, as you're expected to upkeep the house and keep it in good repair. Additionally, home insurance does not provide coverage for maintenance. If your roof is old, and needs to be replaced, your insurance policy will not cover this expense.
4. Being an Airbnb host
Inform your home insurance provider if you plan on listing your property on Airbnb or with other accommodation-sharing services. If your home is damaged by guests or if injury occurs, you can find yourself without coverage if you fail to keep them in the loop.
5. Closing your eyes to unwelcome visitors
Mice and other pests can get a hold of your insulation or wiring and cause significant damage to your home. The same goes for skunks and other wildlife creatures that are known to shack up under your porch or shed. However, insurance policies typically do not cover damage caused by rodents or pests, as this would fall under regular maintenance and upkeep. It's best to call pest or animal control to take care of any unwelcome visitors before serious damage occurs.
6. Upgrading your home
When you add a new extension to the house, finish your basement, or put a pool in the backyard, you are increasing the replacement value of your home. Your insurer should be informed of any major renovations to ensure you have adequate coverage, because, in the event of a total loss (like fire) you'll only be covered for the replacement value they have listed on your policy.
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7. Running a business out of your home
Many people have the mistaken belief that a home-based business is automatically insured under the liability and contents coverage of a home insurance policy. It's not. However, most insurers offer a home business extension to ensure you're protected. This coverage will protect your office equipment, inventory, and your home if something were to happen as a result of your home business endeavours. It also includes liability coverage for any clients or delivery personnel coming to your home for business purposes. Depending on your business, you may need more coverage than what a home business extension will offer; if this is the case, you'll want to consider home-based business insurance.
8. Having more than one family living in a single-family dwelling
If you tell your provider that your home is a single-family dwelling when it is actually a multi-family home, you run the risk of not only having a claim denied, but also losing your home insurance all together.
9. Owning a dog considered dangerous
Some home insurance policies may exclude liability protection against dog attacks, especially by certain "aggressive" breeds of canine. Even if your dog is friendly and has never bitten anyone before, don't wait until after the fact to find out if you're of covered. Contact your insurance company to find out for sure.
10. Failing to pay your premiums
Your coverage is contingent on you paying your premiums. If you fail to pay your premiums, you're taking a chance of having your policy and coverage cancelled.
Ensure you're insured
Your home insurance is there for you when you need it; but, whether knowingly or unknowingly, don't jeopardize the validity of your insurance policy. A good rule of thumb is to contact your insurer when there are major changes to the property and to review your policy annually to be sure it matches your needs. It's also a good idea to compare home insurance quotes as different insurers may offer different limits on coverage, and it's important to see how you can get the best coverage at the best price available.
