Failure to inform providers about major DIY updates in the home could invalidate insurance cover if repairs go wrong, according to a leading insurer .
Sainsburys Finance says that while it’s fine to carry out minor property adjustments, insurers need to be consulted if there are going to be structural changes. If a renovation project goes wrong, homeowners can only expect to be covered if a qualified tradesperson has been employed to do the job . If householders cause fires as a result of faulty wiring or flood houses with home plumbing, they may have to cover the costs of repairs themselves.
Neil Laird, home insurance manager of Sainsbury’s Finance, said: “We want to make sure homeowners are aware they could be left underinsured or even invalidate their insurance entirely in the event of an incident during or after works if they have not informed their insurer.”
Recent research by home insurance company Zurich has revealed that almost half of homeowners do not notify their insurer of major DIY repairs that they are planning to make to their property .