New Year home insurance health check

The holiday season is a whirlwind of guests, gifts, and good times -  but it can bring about changes that affect your insurance cover.  As we settle into January, it’s the perfect time to take stock and ensure your insurance cover still reflects your lifestyle. Even if your renewal isn’t due, a quick review now can prevent gaps in cover, reduce the risk of underinsurance, and give you peace of mind for the year ahead.

Why a new year review matters

High-value gifts, home improvements and extended travel plans can all impact your insurance.  If you need to make a claim, overlooked details like undervalued jewellery, outdated rebuild costs, or unoccupied property policy conditions can lead to complications.  A proactive review now can save time, money, and stress later. Here are some things to consider.

Key areas to review

• High-value gifts and valuations

Did you receive jewellery, watches, or artwork over Christmas? When it comes to insuring high-value items, being specific matters. Many policyholders assume their valuables are covered, but without specifying key items you could be left out of pocket in the event of a claim. 

A valuation will help you set the correct limits and it’s evidence to support a claim; and in our experience a claim is settled much more quickly if there is an up-to-date valuation. We’d also recommend a valuation for existing jewellery – in light of rising gold and silver prices and fluctuating art markets.

Extra tip: Consider professionally installing a graded safe; some insurers offer premium discounts for approved security measures.  Or consider a floating limit out of the safe for your jewellery and watches.

You can learn more about protecting your valuables in our article: Protecting your valuables: why is pays to be specific

• Home improvements

Renovations or upgrades can increase your rebuild cost, the value of your fixtures and fittings and the overall value of your contents, especially if you’ve extended your home. If your property has undergone structural changes or high-end upgrades, your current sums insured may no longer be adequate. Underinsurance can lead to reduced or even denied claim settlements, so it’s worth reviewing now.

Extra tip: A professional buildings valuation every 3–5 years is recommended for high-value homes.
You can learn more about underinsurance in our articles: Outdated rebuild costs and the importance of a professional valuation and Contents underinsurance

• Travel and unoccupied periods

Are you planning an extended winter getaway? Many policies impose conditions when homes are left unoccupied for 30 days or more, such as maintaining heating or arranging regular inspections. Failure to comply can invalidate cover. If you plan to travel this year, consider short-term unoccupied cover or enhanced security measures.

Extra tip: Smart home monitoring systems can help reduce risk.

• Vehicle security and keyless theft

Keyless entry theft remains a concern, with criminals using relay devices to intercept signals. Consider extra precautions such as signal-blocking pouches, OBD security devices, steering locks, and secure overnight parking. Some insurers may require tracking devices for high-value cars.

Extra tip: Store keys away from doors and windows and never leave them in sight.

You can learn more about vehicle security in our article: Car insurance & vehicle security

• Fire safety and lithium batteries

Has your family received any lithium-ion battery powered gifts? E-bikes and scooters pose risks if the batteries are damaged or are charged incorrectly. Always use the correct charger, avoid modifications, DIY conversions, and never charge unattended or in communal areas. Fires caused by battery failure can spread rapidly and cause severe damage.

Extra tip: Test smoke alarms regularly and consider heat detectors in garages or charging areas.

You can learn more about lithium batteries and protecting your home from their potential risks here: Lithium batteries and home insurance and E-bike and E-scooter safety

• Cold weather and escape of water

Frozen pipes and leaks are among the most frequent and costly home claims during winter. Insulate exposed pipes, keep heating on a low setting during cold snaps, and know where your stopcock is for emergencies.

Extra tip: Installing leak detection systems can significantly reduce damage and claim costs.

You can learn more about escape of water in winter months in our article: Escape of water and the winter months

• Cyber protection

The internet touches every part of our daily routine, but with the convenience comes risk.  Personal cyber insurance can provide expert assistance and recovery support if an incident occurs, including help with identity theft and ransomware.

Extra tip: Enable multi-factor authentication and update passwords regularly.

Start the year protected

If you’ve added new items, made improvements, or simply want reassurance that your cover is still fit for purpose, we’re here to help. A quick review now can prevent gaps in cover, keep your policy accurate, and give you peace of mind for the year ahead.

To speak to us about your home insurance, call 020 825 4901 or email privateclients@howdeninsurance.co.uk