Unfortunately, insurance policies do not cover every single event and inevitably all policies contain some exclusions. Some of the more common exclusions are described below, although this list is not exhaustive.
All insurance requires a duty of care, i.e. you (and your family or anyone living with you) must take all reasonable steps to prevent and reduce accidents, losses and damage. You must also maintain insured property in good condition.

If you do not take reasonable care of your property (for example, if you leave your home unoccupied and do not lock the door) your insurers may not pay out in the event of loss or damage. TOP
 
Most Home Contents Insurance policies will exclude certain events if your home is left unoccupied for a certain number of days or more (30 days or 60 days are fairly typical). You will need to check your own policy to ascertain the limit will applies in your case. If you are planning to leave the property unoccupied for a longer period, you should advise your insurer as they may be able to extend the policy. If the property is expected to be empty for a long period, there are specialist insurance policies available for long-term unoccupied properties. TOP
 
In certain areas and certain circumstances, insurers may apply a security requirement or security condition to your policy. This may require certain locks and/or an intruder alarm system to be fitted and to be used whenever the house in left unoccupied or once all the residents have retired for the night.

You should be informed of any such requirements when you take out your Home Contents insurance policy and details should also be provided in your policy. If your policy is subject to such requirements, it is imperative that the conditions are strictly complied with, as if you do not certain events (usually theft, malicious damage) may not be covered, or you may be liable for a much higher excess than you would normally pay. TOP
 
Everyday items such as carpets, washing machines etc. will eventually wear or breakdown. Home Contents insurance is not designed to cover these types of eventuality. The breakdown of some items like washing machines may be insured under a special breakdown or warranty cover.

Loss or damage caused by insects, vermin, infestation, damp, rot or any gradually operating cause are normally excluded. TOP
 
If you use any part of your property for business purposes, you should ensure that your insurers are made aware of this. Some policies provide automatic cover for business equipment, whilst others may only provide cover upon request. TOP