How you're putting your home at risk

From blocked guttering to an unswept chimney, we reveal the surprising ways you could invalidate your home insurance this winter.

Convinced you hate winter? Well, these months can be even more gruelling for our properties as they’re constantly assaulted by rain, snow and wind. In fact, any number of mishaps could cause tens of thousands of pounds in damage – a collapsed roof, a burst pipe, etc, etc…

Unfortunately your home insurer may not pay out if it believes you have been negligent with the maintenance of your property.

New data from insurance company AXA reveals that the company rejects around five percent of storm damage claims if the damage has been caused by poor maintenance, rather than extreme weather.

Despite this, some 59% of homeowners incorrectly believe their insurer will cover all weather-related damage.

‘Misconceptions about home insurance cover is an industry-wide problem that causes a lot of heartache for consumers,’ said James Barclay, home insurance underwriting manager at AXA.

‘There are some claims that we simply have to turn away as they are caused by obvious neglect and lack of investment in the property rather than the weather,’ he added.

How we’re neglecting our homes

Although most of us have probably postponed work around the house at one time or another, an alarming number of Brits fail to perform essential maintenance.

One in 10 of those surveyed was aware of a leaky roof, 15% have cracks in the walls and 10% have blocked or damaged drains.

While these issues may seem relatively minor, they could be a major factor contributing to severe storm damage.

Some 36% of those quizzed said they had not repaired the damage due to concerns over cost. Perhaps more shockingly, 3% confessed they were waiting for the problem to escalate before putting in an insurance claim.

Furthermore, an insurer may deem you have been negligent if an unswept chimney has caused a fire or untended crawling plants damage your brickwork. Bear in mind, these are issues that could occur at any time of year, not only in winter.

What if I take care of my home?

While homeowners who neglect their properties could be left with a hefty bill in the event of an unpaid insurance claim, this situation is more reassuring for those who keep their properties in good repair.

Most insurers should pay out for weather damage as part of a standard perils policy. One possible exception being if you live in an area with a high risk of flooding and your insurer specifically excludes flood-related damage in your policy.

Your insurance company will normally send a loss adjuster to visit the property who will subsequently appoint a contractor to oversee the repairs. A number of policies will also provide alternative accommodation should your home become uninhabitable.

Bear in mind, getting your home repaired may take longer during a city-wide incident when insurers and contractors are over-stretched.

For more stories like this, see The sneaky small print on insurance policies and Five car insurance secrets.

**This material is for information purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We strongly encourage our readers not to rely solely on this content, but to seek independent advice when making financial decisions.**

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