What is typically excluded from a home insurance policy?

Exclusions are where most disputed claims originate, and the recurring theme is that insurance covers sudden, unforeseen events — not deterioration, maintenance or predictable consequences.

Wear and tear, and gradual damage. The largest category by far. A roof that has slowly degraded, a slow leak that has been seeping for months, damp developing over years, or a boiler failing from age are all maintenance, not insured perils. Insurers frequently decline water damage claims on the basis that the leak was gradual rather than sudden.

Lack of maintenance. If damage resulted from a defect you should reasonably have addressed — blocked gutters causing water ingress, for instance — cover can be refused.

Unoccupancy. Most policies restrict or void cover if the property is left empty beyond a stated period, commonly 30 to 60 consecutive days. This catches people on long trips, during probate, or renovating. You must tell the insurer.

Escape of water during unoccupancy in winter, unless heating is maintained at a specified minimum or the system is drained.

Damage by pets, insects and vermin. Chewed cables, moth damage and infestations are usually excluded.

Accidental damage, unless specifically added — it is frequently an optional extra rather than standard.

Items outside the home, unless you have personal possessions cover extended away from the property.

Business use and business equipment, if you work from home and have not declared it.

High-value single items above a specified limit, unless individually listed.

Faulty workmanship and design defects, and damage from work you commissioned.

Flood or subsidence in some circumstances, or with a very high specific excess.

Read the exclusions and the endorsements section before you need them. Insurers must also be told about material changes — renovations, a lodger, a business — during the policy term.