Security tips and advice on what may or may not invalidate your insurance

Posting holiday pictures: While many of us love to share holiday snaps, only a third say they do not post on social media while they are away on holiday due to security reasons. It is also a popular myth that by advertising a home's empty state, the homeowner could actually be invalidating their insurance should a break-in take place.

Duncan Sutcliffe says “I have not seen any policy wordings that say you should not post pictures, but most policy wordings say you should not do things that increase the risk of a claim. There have been some instances where insurance companies have tried to reject claims because the policyholder had “advertised” their absence. So for that reason, I would personally wait until being back home before sharing anything. "

Setting the burglar alarm: The Toolstation says three quarters of UK homes do not have a visible alarm system fitted to the exterior of the home. But even with a burglar alarm, if it is not set and the property is broken into, does that invalidate your home insurance?

Duncan says: “This depends upon your insurance policy. Some policies say you must have an alarm and it must be set when you are out. Insurers might stipulate that an alarm must meet a certain standard and is installed and maintained by a qualified company, if you do not comply then a claim could be invalid.

“Some insurers will also expect the alarm to be set whilst you are asleep. However there are some who will insist upon having an alarm but will forgive you if it is not set - the golden rule is check the small print of your insurance policy.”

Locking doors and windows: Windows are often left open in the summertime to help bring cool air into the home, however only just under a third of people have additional window locks fitted. Duncan says: “Most policies will require evidence of forceful or violent entry in the case of a burglary so an open window could invalidate a claim.

"In most cases insurance companies expect accessible windows and doors to be locked when you are out and they will specify the minimum standard of locks required.If you are at home, insurers will expect you to take sensible steps and will not look kindly upon you if you go to sleep upstairs and leave downstairs windows open. There have been cases where claims have been contested because the homeowner was in the back garden and the front door was unlocked.”

Keeping a spare key: When it comes to securing the spare house key for any unexpected emergencies or visiting family members, many people resort to the classic hiding locations. The most popular hiding location is underneath a plant pot followed by hiding it underneath a doormat.

However Duncan has warned against this: “Your policy will say that you should not do things that increase the risk of a claim, they might also say theft is only covered if there is evidence of forceful or violent entry. For these reasons you should not leave a key under the mat.

“An alternative solution could be a key safe attached to your building (this is great for emergencies) – but check with your insurer to make sure they are happy with this.”