What Can Void a Home Insurance Policy?

1. Misrepresenting Information

Fraud is one thing that can void your home insurance policy, and it comes in two forms:

• Submitting a fraudulent application: Fraud in your initial application for coverage—meaning you lied, omitted information or provided inaccurate information when signing up for your policy.
• Submitting a fraudulent claim: This might mean exaggerating the amount of damage done or saying that damaged/lost items are worth more than they really are to get a larger payout.

Learn more: How to Buy Home Insurance

2. Neglecting Home Maintenance

Not taking care of your home can make it more prone to damage—and thus claims—and increase the risk it presents for an insurer. For this reason, an insurer may opt to void your policy if you fail to perform basic home maintenance tasks or make necessary repairs to your property.

Neglecting home maintenance can also cause an insurer to deny a claim should you need to file one. For instance, if you fail to properly maintain or repair your roof after a storm, it may not cover you for water damage caused by roof leaks in the future.

Learn more: What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

3. Operating a Business From Home Without Disclosure

Starting a new business might be a good move for your career, but it can put your home insurance policy in jeopardy.

Home insurance policies are intended to protect your personal living space and belongings—not cover the risks that come with operating a business. This typically requires a separate home-based business insurance policy or, in some cases, an endorsement to your existing policy that adds coverage specifically for your business activities.

Learn more: What Is Home-Based Business Insurance?

4. Illegal Activity on the Property

Taking part in any illegal activities on your property can void your home insurance policy too. This can include things like manufacturing or growing illegal substances, storing or possessing drugs on site, or intentionally harming another person while on your property.

If you're convicted of a crime that increases the insurer's risk or conducting activity on the property that would make continuing your policy a violation of the law, your insurers can cancel your policy as well.

Learn more: What Is Not Covered By Homeowners Insurance?

5. Leaving the Home Vacant for Too Long

Most insurers will allow you to leave the home vacant for up to 30 days, but if you go beyond that, it could void your policy. This is because unoccupied properties are more likely to be burglarized or damaged, increasing the risk of claims on your policy.

If you plan to leave the home for longer than a 30-day period, you will typically need to purchase vacant home insurance. This offers temporary coverage for extended vacancies.

Learn more: What Is Vacant Home Insurance?

6. Making Unauthorized Renovations or Additions

Renovations can change the value of your home, as well as the risks it presents to your insurance company. So anytime you plan to renovate or add on to your house, you need to talk to your insurer.

You might need to add additional coverage to account for a higher home value or, depending on how you're handling your renovations and what projects you're doing, increase your liability coverage. (For instance, you might need more liability if you're adding a pool or contractors will be on site doing construction work.)

Some renovations could also render your home uninsurable, so talking to your insurance company beforehand is critical.

Learn more: How Do Home Renovations Impact Home Insurance Costs?

7. Getting Certain Dog Breeds or Exotic Pets

Some insurance companies will not insure dog owners or owners of particular dog breeds that are more prone to biting (and therefore are a higher liability). You could see your policy canceled if you bring certain dog breeds or other risky pets into your home without clearing it with your insurer.

The dog breeds that are excluded from coverage vary by insurer, but they often include Staffordshire terriers, rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, chow chows, bullmastiffs, pit bulls and Great Danes, to name a few. You can ask your insurance for a list of restricted dog breeds if you're unsure.

Learn more: What Does Homeowners Liability Insurance Coverage?

8. Hosting Renters or Paying Guests

Posting your home as a short-term rental on Airbnb or VRBO might allow you to make some extra cash when you're away, but many home insurers don't allow it. In fact, you may actually need a different policy—or additional coverage—if you plan to host paying guests or tenants at your property.

This might include landlord or rental dwelling coverage, if you have long-term tenants, or a business, hotel or bed-and-breakfast policy for temporary guests. In some cases, your insurer may allow you to add an endorsement to your existing insurance policy if you notify them beforehand.

Learn more: Does Home Insurance Cover Damage to Vacation Rentals or Hotels?

The Bottom Line

Communication is key when it comes to home insurance. Talk to your insurance company in advance about any changes you plan to make to your home, how you use it or who lives in it. This will help ensure your policy remains in good standing until it's time for renewal.