Rule breakers could be putting their insurance at risk
MORE than half of Brits have committed offences that void their car or home insurance, according to new data from leading price comparison website Moneysupermarket, despite knowing it could leave them unprotected in the event of an incident or burglary. From letting others drive your car to leaving windows open in the house, the report from Moneysupermarket reveals the list of seemingly minor misdemeanours that Brits knowingly commit. More than a tenth (13%) of Brits admit to moving jobs without telling their car insurer of the change, despite half of those surveyed (46%) being aware that it could void their insurance. Updating this information is important as it can affect the way car insurance premiums are calculated, with some occupations being deemed more of a risk. Moneysupermarket research from earlier this year found that ‘students’ without jobs who list themselves as ‘unemployed’ may be adding 51% to their premium – costing them a huge £6,772. A further 5% of Brits have also started a home business without informing their home insurer, despite more than half (55%) being aware that it could void their insurance. From storing stock and selling clothes on ebay, to hosting beauty business parties at home, these set-ups could invalidate insurance policies. While more than half (56%) are aware that leaving their windows open will void home insurance, a third (34%) still knowingly put themselves at risk by doing so. Half of those surveyed are aware that letting someone else drive their car is a violation of car insurance, yet a third (31%) are still willing to take the risk. As Brits prepare to host family and friends for the Christmas festivities, the research reveals that one in 10 have performed some major alterations to their homes and not informed their insurers, despite a quarter (26%) of those surveyed knowing that it could void their insurance. The younger generation is most willing to take risks, with three quarters (76%) of 25-34 year olds committing offences that could infringe upon car insurance terms and conditions. The majority (80%) have knowingly voided their home insurance, including failing to turn on the burglar alarm when leaving their property (34%). On the flip side, older generations are most likely to play by the rules, with over-55s committing the fewest car insurance violations (46%) and 45-54 year olds committing the fewest home insurance infringements (53%).