Latest news with #HeathAlexander-Bew
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Why leaving a key under a doormat could ruin home insurance
The service can help you if you have something stolen or your home is impacted by a fire or flood, as just some examples. This financial cover can be crucial, but there are some actions taken that could end up invalidating it. Heath Alexander-Bew, Director at the Alan Boswell Group, has shared that an action taken with your house key could lead to trouble. Why leaving a key under a doormat could invalidate your home insurance Heath shared that if you are going away on holiday and leave your key under a doormat or plant pot, it could lead to problems. He explained: "One in ten Brits admit to leaving a key under the doormat whilst away on holiday, which is one of the most common ways homeowners invalidate their home insurance. "In many cases, in the event of a burglary or stolen possessions, there will need to be signs of 'forced entry' to make a valid, successful claim. "By leaving a key to the property under a doormat or plant pot, homeowners make it easy for burglars to enter, potentially resulting in a declined insurance claim." To get around this Heath suggests leaving a key with a trusted friend or family member. Recommended reading: He continues: "Alternatively, invest in security measures such as a wall-mounted key safe which can only be accessed by someone who has the code. "Always ensure your home is completely locked and secured before going on holiday, and do not leave any spare keys around. "Further advice suggests to never reveal on social media that your home will be empty."
South Wales Guardian
2 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Why leaving a key under a doormat could ruin home insurance
The service can help you if you have something stolen or your home is impacted by a fire or flood, as just some examples. This financial cover can be crucial, but there are some actions taken that could end up invalidating it. Heath Alexander-Bew, Director at the Alan Boswell Group, has shared that an action taken with your house key could lead to trouble. Heath shared that if you are going away on holiday and leave your key under a doormat or plant pot, it could lead to problems. He explained: "One in ten Brits admit to leaving a key under the doormat whilst away on holiday, which is one of the most common ways homeowners invalidate their home insurance. "In many cases, in the event of a burglary or stolen possessions, there will need to be signs of 'forced entry' to make a valid, successful claim. "By leaving a key to the property under a doormat or plant pot, homeowners make it easy for burglars to enter, potentially resulting in a declined insurance claim." To get around this Heath suggests leaving a key with a trusted friend or family member. Recommended reading: Insurance experts list top 10 ways people invalidate their home insurance What is accidental damage cover? The benefits and how to make a claim How homeowners could be invalidating their insurance by having builders in He continues: "Alternatively, invest in security measures such as a wall-mounted key safe which can only be accessed by someone who has the code. "Always ensure your home is completely locked and secured before going on holiday, and do not leave any spare keys around. "Further advice suggests to never reveal on social media that your home will be empty."
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Why leaving a key under a doormat could ruin home insurance
The service can help you if you have something stolen or your home is impacted by a fire or flood, as just some examples. This financial cover can be crucial, but there are some actions taken that could end up invalidating it. Heath Alexander-Bew, Director at the Alan Boswell Group, has shared that an action taken with your house key could lead to trouble. Why leaving a key under a doormat could invalidate your home insurance Heath shared that if you are going away on holiday and leave your key under a doormat or plant pot, it could lead to problems. He explained: "One in ten Brits admit to leaving a key under the doormat whilst away on holiday, which is one of the most common ways homeowners invalidate their home insurance. "In many cases, in the event of a burglary or stolen possessions, there will need to be signs of 'forced entry' to make a valid, successful claim. "By leaving a key to the property under a doormat or plant pot, homeowners make it easy for burglars to enter, potentially resulting in a declined insurance claim." To get around this Heath suggests leaving a key with a trusted friend or family member. Recommended reading: He continues: "Alternatively, invest in security measures such as a wall-mounted key safe which can only be accessed by someone who has the code. "Always ensure your home is completely locked and secured before going on holiday, and do not leave any spare keys around. "Further advice suggests to never reveal on social media that your home will be empty."
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Why leaving a key under a doormat could ruin home insurance
This financial cover can be crucial, but there are some actions taken that could end up invalidating it. Heath Alexander-Bew, Director at the Alan Boswell Group, has shared that an action taken with your house key could lead to trouble. Why leaving a key under a doormat could invalidate your home insurance Heath shared that if you are going away on holiday and leave your key under a doormat or plant pot, it could lead to problems. He explained: "One in ten Brits admit to leaving a key under the doormat whilst away on holiday, which is one of the most common ways homeowners invalidate their home insurance. "In many cases, in the event of a burglary or stolen possessions, there will need to be signs of 'forced entry' to make a valid, successful claim. "By leaving a key to the property under a doormat or plant pot, homeowners make it easy for burglars to enter, potentially resulting in a declined insurance claim." To get around this Heath suggests leaving a key with a trusted friend or family member. Recommended reading: He continues: "Alternatively, invest in security measures such as a wall-mounted key safe which can only be accessed by someone who has the code. "Always ensure your home is completely locked and secured before going on holiday, and do not leave any spare keys around. "Further advice suggests to never reveal on social media that your home will be empty."
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
What invalidates home insurance? This habit puts you at risk
Making sure your home is protected is key to looking after your property and family comforts. However, experts have claimed that one habit could be putting your home insurance at risk. It's also a mistake that is more likely to happen during the summer months and shockingly one in 10 Brits say they do it. 🚨Looking for a place to rent? ⚠️ Fraudsters create fake listings on legitimate rental platforms to lure victims into rental scams ✅ You, or someone you trust, should always view the property before you make payment Find out more: — Action Fraud (@actionfrauduk) July 23, 2025 What invalidates house insurance? Leaving a key under the doormat or plant pot while away on holiday is one of the most common ways homeowners invalidate their home insurance. Heath Alexander-Bew, director at insurance provider Alan Boswell Group, explained: 'In many cases, in the event of a burglary or stolen possessions, there will need to be signs of 'forced entry' to make a valid, successful claim. 'By leaving a key to the property under a doormat or plant pot, homeowners make it easy for burglars to enter, potentially resulting in a declined insurance claim.' Instead, it is recommended to leave a key with a trusted friend or family member. Mr Alexander-Bew continued: 'Alternatively, invest in security measures such as a wall-mounted key safe which can only be accessed by someone who has the code. 'Always ensure your home is completely locked and secured before going on holiday, and do not leave any spare keys around.' Further advice suggests to never reveal on social media that your home will be empty. Why is house insurance important? Home insurance protects your home in case something unexpected happens. HSBC advises: 'Without cover, you risk having to pay for replacements or repairs if something happens to your home or belongings. This could be if they're damaged in a fire or a flood or if your things are stolen. Recommended Reading: 'With household insurance in place, if anything happens to your property or possessions that are covered by your policy, you'll be protected financially. 'If you're renting, you don't need to worry about buildings insurance, as this is your landlord's responsibility. 'But you should consider contents insurance to help cover the costs of replacing possessions if something happens to them.'
