Things That Can Void Your Homeowners Insurance

You buy homeowners insurance to protect your important investment, provide personal liability coverage, and insure your personal property. Homeowners insurance is designed to provide protection for unknown or unforeseen events such as; fire, theft, wind damage, accidents, and more.

Most homeowner's insurance policies may also cover

• The dwelling
• Personal property
• Loss of use
• Property away for your home
• Personal liability
• Fine art and other collections
• Coverage for swimming pools

Your homeowner's policy has terms and conditions that outline your and your insurer's responsibilities. Remember your home insurance protects you and your belongings, so avoid these typical blunders that could result in your policy being canceled or a claim being denied.

1. Running a Business Out of Your Home. Do you have a home office, work from home full-time, or run a business from your house? If this is the case, certain parts of your home-based office or business may be excluded from your normal homeowner's insurance coverage. You will need a business insurance policy to cover your business operations. Many insurers, on the other hand, provide an endorsement (additional coverage) for home-based businesses. This will broaden your insurance coverage to include commercial activities. However, not all insurers provide this coverage, and not all business kinds are insured.
2. Renting out rooms for income. Your policy may also have limitations when it comes to home-sharing services like Airbnb, so check with your insurer before accepting temporary visitors to be sure you're covered if something goes wrong with your house while it's being rented.
3. Criminal or illegal activity. Your insurance policy may be voided if you engage in illegal activities in your home, such as cultivating or manufacturing narcotic substances.
4. Updating your home without notifying your insurance company. Do you intend to undertake a significant home renovation project? Make sure to notify your insurance company ahead of time. Home renovations may put your insurance company at risk, and your coverage may not cover them. If you have replacement cost coverage, it is important to have the correct, true replacement value, or you may be underinsured.
5. Not keeping up with home maintenance. Your insurance policy may be voided if you do not perform necessary repairs and upkeep on your home. For instance, if you don't repair your roof and your ceilings incur water damage, you could not be protected. Check with your insurance to understand what your responsibilities are in terms of house maintenance. Poor care of your home and possessions might lead to undervaluation of your property or even denial of claims. If you fail to make necessary repairs, your insurer may cancel your coverage.
6. A Vacant home. If you plan on being away from home for an extended period of time, let your agent or insurer know. There are limitations in your policy if your home is vacant or unoccupied.
7. Change of ownership. If you sell your home to a family member without notifying your insurer, your insurance may be void. If you have added another name to the title of the property, like a spouse, life partner, child, or transferred the title into a family trust, you need to correct the policyholder named on the policy.
8. Contract workers. Your home insurance does not cover any insurance for liability from contracted workers such as; landscapers, contractors, and home maid services.

If you have home insurance, it will protect you in the event of an accident, theft, or fire. However, failing to notify your insurer about renovations, extended trips, or a home business could result in claim denial. Never use the property for illicit purposes such as unauthorized rentals or criminal activities. Also, it would help if you never made your own modifications without first obtaining permission. It's possible that if you start a fire, it won't be covered. Keep your insurer informed of any modifications to your property so that you always have adequate coverage.

Review your insurance and speak with your agent or insurer if you have any questions regarding your coverage