Social media has taken over the world. Whether you are obsessed with Instagram, Pinterest and Snapchat or you still don’t know your Facebook from your Twitter, there is no denying its impact on modern society – and now, it seems, on insurance too.
Police in Devon have issued a warning to social media users to be careful about what they’re posting – especially when it comes to holidays. According to a report in the
Exeter Express and Echo, a Snapchat from Sardinia, or indeed any post letting your followers know that you’re going to be away from home, risks invalidating your insurance cover.
Speaking to the publication, a spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police commented that possessions are put at risk by these posts.
“Even if you think you have stringent privacy settings, posting about your holiday may potentially alert thieves to the fact your house is empty,” a force spokesman said.
The idea of course, is that thieves will pick up on holiday posts and realise a house is empty – and subsequently take advantage of your absence.
However, the risk of being burgled is just the beginning as warnings have also been issued that insurers will not pay out if the insured posted about their absence on social media.
According to Confused.com, sharing pictures or your location while you are away can be seen as “reckless” and invalidate cover as most insurance policies state that “reasonable care” must be taken to secure a home – and that includes discretion about trips.
The comparison website claims that insurers are now scanning social media activity when they receive home insurance claims.
So as insurance professionals where do you stand on social media posts potentially invalidating claims? Is it fair enough if policyholders show this negligence about sharing their activities – or is it a step too far in avoiding a payout? Leave a comment with your thoughts.
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