Don’t allow f lat roof or penalty points to invalidate your cover
Non-disclosure of important details can also mess up claims for home and car cover.
The biggest is failing to disclose previous claims – particularly in relation to home insurance, according to Jonathan Hehir, boss of insuremyhouse.ie and insuremycar.ie.
‘Many people mistakenly believe that they do not have to disclose a previous claim if it was on another property.
‘That’s not the case – insurers want you to disclose any claims on any property.
‘So, in theory, this nondisclosure could make an insurance contract null and void.
‘However, I would urge anyone who finds themselves in this position to talk to their broker, because they should be able to communicate the situation with the insurer and, perhaps, come to an agreement.
‘Also, some people think that just because a claim was three or four years ago they do not need to disclose it.
‘However, most insurers will say on the application form the date from which you need to disclose – in general it’s around five years.’
The key here is to read the application and policy documentation carefully to ensure you are abiding by the insurer’s requests and all of the terms and conditions.
Other non-disclosures that can invalidate a home policy or claim include: 1. FLAT ROOF NOT DISCLOSED This can invalidate a claim if the size or material of the flat roof on your property is outside the acceptance criteria of the insurers your policy is with.
It’s important to disclose any flat roof on the house or garage
at quotation stage or you risk invalidating your policy.
2. AIRBNB USE NOT
DISCLOSED If you sometimes Airbnb your property, even if it’s not frequent and the property is still your main residence, this will invalidate your policy and any claim you may have. There are certain policies specific for Airbnb use in a home, so make sure you have the correct policy for your specific needs.
3. BUSINESS USE It’s important to declare any business use from a home. Even if it’s a small business such as a hairdressers, you need to get a specific policy that will cover this use of the family home or this will invalidate any claims you have. The big factor for motor insurance is not disclosing penalty points. ‘Motorists need to be very careful here and they must provide the insurer with up-to-date accurate information – correct dates and number of points etc.
‘If you are unsure as to whether or not you have points, or how many you have, you can contact the RSA and they can confirm,’ says Jonathan Hehir.