Home Maintenance Matters for Your Buildings Insurance
- Albert Johnson
- Sep 17
- 2 min read
Your home is more than just four walls and a roof, it’s your safe space, your biggest investment, and often your family’s most valuable asset. While most homeowners understand the importance of having buildings insurance, many overlook one key factor that can affect their cover: regular home maintenance.
Just like your car needs servicing to keep running smoothly, your home also requires upkeep. And when it comes to insurance, failing to maintain your property could impact how a claim is assessed.
Why maintenance matters to insurers
Insurance is there to protect you against the unexpected, storm damage, fire, flooding, or accidents. But if the cause of the damage is linked to neglect or poor maintenance, your insurer may reduce or even reject your claim.
For example:
A leaking roof left unfixed for months could result in structural damage that might not be covered.
Blocked gutters can lead to flooding, but if you never cleared them, an insurer could argue the loss was preventable.
Termite infestations or untreated rising damp are often viewed as maintenance issues, not insurable risks.
Key areas to keep in check
Regular inspections and maintenance can save you stress, money, and claim complications. Some of the most important areas include:
Roof & Gutters: Fix loose tiles, clear out leaves, and ensure water drains properly.
Plumbing: Repair leaks early to avoid burst pipes or water damage.
Walls & Foundations: Treat damp spots and cracks before they spread.
Security: Test alarms, lights, and locks — insurers expect you to keep your security measures in working order.
Fire Safety: Service extinguishers, clean chimneys, and check electrical systems regularly.
The link between maintenance and claims
Keeping your property well-maintained doesn’t just prevent damage, it also helps you when you do claim. Insurers often ask for evidence of maintenance and repairs. Keeping receipts, photos, and records can strengthen your case and speed up the claims process. I always advise clients to take a photo of these, upload it to your cloud drive, and have it handy if you do need to submit a claim.
We have put together a checklist for spring cleaning and maintenance of your home. You can download it here.
In Closing
Your home is one of your biggest investments. Buildings insurance provides the safety net, but your role as a homeowner is to keep that net strong by maintaining your property. A well-kept home means fewer risks, smoother claims, and long-term peace of mind.
At Wallstreet Financial Services, we help clients not only insure their homes but also understand the steps to keep cover effective. Speak to us today about reviewing your buildings insurance and making sure your biggest asset stays protected..
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