Insurance experts from Alan Boswell are urging homeowners to avoid common maintenance mistakes come autumn to avoid potentially having their insurance claims disputed or rejected
Many Brits are unaware of the insurance pitfalls that the change in season can bring. Everything from how you care for your gutters to servicing your boiler can impact your home insurance.
With that in mind, insurance experts have shared some key autumnal mistakes that homeowners should bear in mind over the next few weeks. Failing to add these autumn tasks to your to-do list could invalidate your home insurance, according to the company.
Heath Alexander-Bew from Alan Boswell said: “Autumn brings its own set of risks, from blocked gutters to heating failures and increased burglary rates as evenings get darker.
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“Insurers expect a reasonable level of care from homeowners, and failing to prepare for the season can leave you exposed if you need to make a claim.”
Clear gutters and drains
As leaves fall and accumulate, they can block gutters and prevent rainwater from draining properly. While a common occurrence, this can lead to leaks, damp patches, and even structural damage to your property.
According to Alan Boswell Group, if an insurer investigating a claim finds damage was caused by a lack of upkeep, they can refuse to pay out or potentially charge higher premiums later on.
This is because policies usually require homeowners to take “reasonable care” to maintain their property. While the build up of leaves on its own would not warrant a refused claim, it could be a contributing factor to one.
Service boilers or heating systems
After months of no use, boilers and heating systems across the UK are switched back on in autumn. Homeowners who fail to service these systems could see breakdowns or leakages, meaning insurers may not cover damage that arises from poor monitoring.
Alan Boswell Group recommends households test their heating systems before cold temperatures arrive in full force to ensure the boiler is working normally. Most manufacturers recommend a yearly service by a qualified Gas Safe engineer to guarantee their system is running efficiently and secure a record of servicing in case a claim needs to be made.
Safely use of candles and fireplaces
The misuse of open flames can cause house fires in autumn and winter. Leaving candles unattended or using a fireplace that has not undergone inspection can increase the risk of fire.
If insurers believe negligence has led to an incident—including failing to have your chimney swept—they can decline the claim. Thus, homeowners should always use heat-resistant candle holders and have their chimneys swept annually by a certified professional to ensure they are safe and free from blockages.
It is also advised to keep a smoke alarm on every level of your home and test them weekly to verify that they are working correctly.
Take reasonable security measures
During the autumn and winter months burglaries tend to increase as many homes are left unlit—alerting burglars that properties are empty. Homes left without adequate lighting, or with windows and doors unlocked, are the most vulnerable.
That said, reviewing your home insurance policy is key. Many insurance policies require “reasonable security measures” to be in place in order to qualify.
Homeowners should check that all their locks work and potentially invest in motion-sensor lighting and timer switches.
Store outdoor furniture and garden items well
Because autumn brings stronger winds, unsecured outdoor items like patio furniture and trampolines can be thrown around and cause damage to your home or a neighbour’s.
If insurers determine that the damage was caused because items were not safely secured or stored away, they could argue negligence and refuse to pay out your claim. In some rare cases, homeowners could even be liable for third-party damages.
Homeowners should take care to secure or store away outdoor belongings and invest in furniture covers and anchor kits.
