Self employed should inform home insurance providers

Home insurance companies should be aware if policyholders move from the office to a more residential setting for their work, it has been said.

Norwich and Peterborough Building Society (NP) warned that working from home could increase the risk of having to call on an insurance policy if something goes wrong and cover could be invalidated if providers are not informed.

According to the Peterborough Telegraph, Direct Line research has shown that only 32 per cent of businesses which have employers working out of the office have home insurance policies in place for their staff.

Steve Kendall, sales and operations director of NP, told the newspaper: The insurer may not need to vary the cover provided or increase the cost, but they do need to know so that they can assess the change in risk.

Aviva recently launched a home insurance product which allows out of office workers to cover their business equipment, such as cabinets, desks and computers, against damage or theft .