The word "exclusion" has an unpleasant ring to it – yet every insurance product works this way: there's what it covers, and there's what it doesn't. An exclusion isn't a trick, it's a product boundary, and the good news is that it's no secret: anyone can read it before signing. This article maps out the typical exclusion areas – so you know what to expect, and what to ask about.
- The major exclusion areas: wear and tear plus lack of maintenance, war and nuclear risks, and certain special risks – while intent and gross negligence are typically grounds for exemption (with the burden of proof on the insurer).
- How the property is used matters too: an extended vacancy and business use typically fall under separate rules.
- Exclusions can be found out before you sign – the exclusions section of the policy wording is a few pages long, and it says more than any advert.
An exclusion isn't a trick – it's a product boundary
Every cover has a price and a boundary: the insurer commits to what's in the policy wording – no more, no less. Some exclusions are similar across every product (war and nuclear damage – while intent is typically grounds for exemption), while others vary by policy – and it's precisely the latter that decide which package fits you. In the policy wording, it's worth looking on two levels: alongside the general exclusions, individual covers can also carry their own separate exceptions. So when comparing offers, the exclusions section carries at least as much weight as the list of covers: our what it covers and what not article shows both sides together.
The most common area: wear and tear, and maintenance
Insurance is for sudden, unexpected damage – the work of time isn't an insured event. A corroded pipe rotting through, a gradually leaking roof that's been ageing for years, mould, wear – these are typically an excluded area; and how any resulting consequential damage is assessed depends on the exact wording of the policy. This is the point where honesty pays off: home insurance doesn't replace maintenance – the two together are what protect the home. For the practical side, with a to-do list, see our loss-prevention article.
Conduct and use: intent, vacancy, business activity
Damage caused intentionally, and typically gross negligence too (for example, an open flame left unattended for a long time), release the insurer from liability – the exact standard is set by the policy wording and the law. How the property is used is a risk factor too: many policies set separate rules for a property left unoccupied for an extended period – draining the water system, regular checks – our extended absence article covers this. A change in how the property is used – letting it out, long-term vacancy – is also something you need to report. Assets belonging to business activity carried on in the home – stock, work equipment – typically fall outside residential cover: that's the territory of our sister site vagyon.biz (in Hungarian).
How to ask about it before you sign
Four questions that bring most exclusions to the surface. What does the policy wording say about wear and tear and consequential damage? Which special risks are excluded or restricted at my address – our special risks article gives the background for this? What's the rule if the property is left unoccupied for an extended period? And which unmet requirement – a security level, a duty to notify – could reduce the payout? We line up these answers item by item in our comparison table, so you can decide with the boundaries in view too. As a first step: get a calculation in minutes (in Hungarian), followed by a free consultation.
A question about your own home? Run the numbers in minutes with the online calculator (in Hungarian), or book a free 20-minute consultation →
