The Duty of Disclosure is your legal obligation to tell your insurer everything important that could affect whether they insure you or how much it costs before you buy, renew or change a policy. You must be honest and not hide relevant facts even if the insurer doesn’t ask directly.
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Why Should You Care About the Duty of Disclosure?
Keeps insurance fair: Insurers rely on the information you provide to assess the risk and set the premium. If everyone disclosed material facts, pricing is fairer for all policyholders.
Protects you: If you’re upfront, your claim is much more likely to be paid in full when you need it.
Avoids big problems later: Hiding or forgetting facts can mean reduced payouts, rejected claims or even a cancelled policy.
Ensures compliance: It’s the law under the Insurance Contracts Act 1984.
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Show Transcript
So, picture this. You make a claim. Everything seems fine. But then the insurer turns around and says, "Sorry, your claim's been denied." Why? Because you didn't tell them something you should have. That's where your duty of disclosure comes in. Your obligation to inform, historically called the duty of disclosure, means you must take responsible care to answer the insurance questions completely and accurately and tell them everything you know that's relevant to your decision to cover you before they issue you the policy. things like previous claims, existing damage, renovations, or changes in how you use your property. It's not about catching you out. It's about giving them the full picture so they can price and cover you correctly. Because if something pops up later that you didn't disclose, your policy could be avoided or your claim denied. So, when you're filling out that insurance form, your online form, or speaking to your broker, don't guess. Be upfront. If you are unsure, ask your broker the question before you submit. A 5-minute chart now can save you months of stress.
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What Do You Need to Disclose?
You need to disclose anything a reasonable person would think is relevant such as:
Past claims or losses (even if they were years ago).
Criminal convictions or charges.
Previous insurance refusals or cancellations.
Modifications to a car or special features of a home like wood heater or solar panels.
How you use your home or business, say running a business from home.
Medical history if you’re planning to get insurance for income protection.
Any other changes in risk since the policy started.
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Real-World Scenarios
You’re insuring your house and you’ve had a small kitchen fire two years ago that you fixed yourself. You must mention it.
You’re getting Car Insurance and your teenage son will sometimes drive the car. You have to tell your insurer.
Forgetting about old claims or incidents that seem minor.
Assuming “no claims bonus” means you can hide past claims.
Not updating the insurer when your situation changes during the policy (e.g., starting renovations or adding a trampoline).
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When Do You Need a Broker?
If you’re unsure what counts as “relevant” or you have a complicated situation (past claims, convictions, home business, etc.), an insurance broker can guide you through exactly what needs to be disclosed so you get it right the first time.
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Looking for Assistance?
Need help making sure you meet your Duty of Disclosure and get the right cover? Send Tank Insurance a quick message and get expert help to sort it out.
