Can doing DIY impact my home insurance?
Key takeaways
Some DIY mistakes can invalidate your home cover or lead to rejected claims
Only attempt jobs which are within your skill set and leave plumbing and electrical work, as well as major structural work, to the professionals
If you’re planning any home renovations which alter the structure of your home, you must declare these to your insurer
Can DIY jobs invalidate my home insurance?
Yes, some DIY jobs can invalidate your home insurance. With a home insurance policy, your insurer will expect any work carried out on your property to be done to a safe and reasonable standard.
If a project goes wrong and work results in damage, your insurer may refuse to pay out.
The same is true if the work increases risk – if, say, you’ve ignored safety guidelines to get the job done faster – your claim may get turned down.
In short, bodged DIY jobs can invalidate your home insurance.
Which DIY jobs could affect my home insurance?
Electrical work, such as faulty wiring.
Plumbing repairs which are not carried out properly.
Structural changes, such as knocking down walls without declaring these to your insurer.
What are the most popular DIY jobs?
Many of us go online, often turning to Google for guidance on everything from painting walls to rewiring light fittings. MoneySuperMarket found the most searched DIY query was ‘how to bleed a radiator’ (nearly 400,000 searches), along with ‘how to wallpaper’ and ‘how to get rid of black mould.’
But the nation’s unofficial DIY assistant has its limitations – and shouldn’t be used for jobs around the home which need a professional.
Worryingly, further research shows a lot of people have searched on Google for electrical advice, including ‘how to wire a light switch’ (43,200), despite the serious safety risks if done incorrectly.
Do I need to tell my home insurance provider about renovations?
Yes, you do need to inform your home insurer about planned renovations.
Where possible, you should do this before work starts.
If you’re not sure whether you need to tell your provider about a project, it’s wise to err on the side of caution and give them a call before you begin. That way, you can get the work done and enjoy the results, without worrying about whether your policy will still protect you.
Importantly, if you’re planning any home renovations which alter the structure of your home, such as an extension or garage, it’s imperative you declare these to your insurer. Failure to do so could void your policy.
Note that adding an extension or garage will increase the rebuild cost of your home, and therefore increase the cost of your buildings insurance.
What exclusions should I watch out for in my home insurance?
You need to be aware that even comprehensive home insurance policies can come with exclusions:
Some exclude poor workmanship.
Some may exclude faulty materials.
What could happen if I attempt DIY jobs myself?
You could cause damage to your property.
If you end up having to pay an expert to rectify a mishap, this could leave you significantly out of pocket.
You could find you get your claim rejected, or that the payout gets reduced.
You could you invalidate your home insurance.
Why are people like me choosing DIY?
Further research from MoneySuperMarket shows there are a number of reasons why people are attempting their own home improvements:
To cut costs (36%).
To improve their home (30%).
To prove they can complete the job without help (28%),
To avoid paying tradesperson fees (24%).
Hoping to get jobs done more quickly (20%).
Inspired by social media tutorials (15%).
When should I call in a professional?
When carrying out any DIY, you need to know your limits – and be honest with yourself about jobs which are outside your skill set. You should, for example, never attempt plumbing work, electrical jobs or roof repairs without a professional
For gas work, always make sure you use a Gas Safe registered engineer
For electrical work, always use a NICEIC-registered electrician
For roofing work and structural alterations, always call in a qualified expert
Personal Finance & Insurance Expert
Our expert says
Before starting any project, it’s important to check your policy and understand what’s covered. A quick review now could prevent an unwelcome surprise later on.
“Some larger home improvements can come with added risks should something go wrong. Roof repairs, removing walls, plumbing work, electrical changes and adding outbuildings can all affect insurance if done incorrectly or without informing your insurer. Even comprehensive policies may exclude poor workmanship or faulty materials, meaning a claim linked to DIY work may not be covered.
“If you are unsure, it is always worth speaking to your insurer before you start.”
How do I make sure I have the right level of home insurance?
No matter whether you’re embarking on some painting or wallpapering – or a bigger structural project, it’s vital to have home insurance. Be sure to compare home insurance policies with MoneySuperMarket.
With just a few clicks, we can help you find the best price for the cover you want, saving you both time and money. Once you’ve got your policy in place, you get the peace of mind of knowing you are protected.
Sources
Research conducted by Censuswide surveying 1,000 UK adults in January 2025.
Author
Esther Shaw
Money expert
Esther Shaw is an award-winning consumer, financial and property journalist with more than two decades of experience. As a freelance writer, she regularly contributes to a range of national titles...
