Car and home insurance are important for just about everyone. For anyone who drives and owns their own home, they are an absolute must. The majority of people who have these insurance policies should be buying them from the same provider. It makes financial sense. Not to mention, it easier to understand policies when they contain the same definitions for the wording in those policies. If our home is damaged due to flooding, we know our car is also covered under that policy too. This will really help us when it comes to making claims. At the same time, we all have responsibilities and obligations to protecting ourselves. Our insurance companies are there to cover us when a situation goes bad, and not when we make it bad or pose a high risk. Here is a look at some really easy ways to negate our insurance.

• Making modifications. Making modifications to your car or your home without notifying your insurer is the easiest way to negate your car or home and contents insurance. Even the slightest modification can be the basis for a non-payout. It makes sense. You are covered for what you stated when you signed up for the policy. Whether your modifications had a negative impact or not, the fact still remains you have changed what you are insuring. Your insurer cannot change your policy, and you cannot change what you are covering. If you intend to make modifications to your car or home, make sure you contact your provider to see how this should be dealt with. Some modifications, such as increased security, may well reduce your premiums.

• Non-professional repairs. There are reasons why professionals are professionals. They know what they are doing. Fixing the electricity on your own home, is not only dangerous, it is illegal. You should know what you can and can’t fix on your home and car yourself. Fixing your brakes on your car yourself might not be a good idea, and it might be reason for your insurer to reject your accident claim.

• Alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and recreational drugs might be fun at the time, but we all need to consider the ramifications. Were you attempting simple repairs on your home under the influence of alcohol or drugs? Was someone in your swimming pool under the influence of drugs? Did someone slip and fall through a window in your home because of the influence of drugs and alcohol? We all know driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol has serious consequences, the least being ourcar insurance becomes invalid, but did you know the impact of such behaviour on your home insurance? Even having illegal substances on your property could mean you will get denied.

• Illegal activities. Any illegal activity involving your car or your home will influence your insurance. Insurers will do a lot to investigate our lifestyles when we make a claim. If your car or your home has been used for illegal activities in the past, you might find you cannot get insurance.

• Irregular or undisclosed use. Has your hobby turned into a business? As soon as you start making money from any activities you are actually using your home, and probably your car, as tools for you business. Your home has become a home office. This could be the case just because you have an account on eBay and you are regularly selling some products or services. It is important to disclose the way you are using your car and home to your provider. If your circumstances change you should consult your insurance provider immediately.

Insurance companies use insurance investigators to make sure they are paying claims correctly and to protect themselves against insurance fraud. You could unwittingly be committing fraud without realising. You should remember those insurance investigators are seasoned professionals and have a keen eye for anything that is out of the ordinary. They may even pick up on something you have not realised yourself. It would be unfortunate to waste your insurance payments because you have been neglectful or negligent.