How not to invalidate an INSURANCE POLICY

Editor of MoneyWeek.com Kalpana Fitzpatrick shares six ways you could unwittingly invalidate your policy

- KALPANA FITZPATRICK 

Cat flaps

While a cat flap conveniently lets your pet in and out of the house, it can also give an easy way in to a burglar. They could use the cat flap to access your home by reaching for keys or using a tool through it to open an unlocked door. It means they can access your home without forced entry, which could result in the insurer not paying up.

If you have a cat flap, let your insurer know and ask them what their policy is. Consider installing a design that is accessible only to your cat – this could be a microchipped or magnetic version.

Lock up and keep your keys safe

This may sound like an obvious one, but don’t leave keys in doors or windows – and lock them up. If a burglar manages to get into your house via an unlocked window or door, then this could invalidate your insurance because there was no forced entry.