The Importance of Accurate Information in Your Household Contents Policy
Your Household Contents policy is a contract built on the details you share with us, as your insurance provider. This is called “material information”, and the accuracy of which directly shapes how Pineapple assesses your risk, the validity of your cover, and whether future claims are paid smoothly.
This article unpacks what “material information” means, why it matters, and what happens if it isn’t accurate.
What Is Material Information?
“Material information” refers to important information that Pineapple considers crucial in order to accurately assess your risk. For Household Contents cover, this includes:
Your address. Moving homes affects more than your location; it changes your risk profile (think: new neighbourhood, new risks).
Security measures. Burglar bars, gates, alarms, armed response, perimeter security, etc. Any change (installation, removal, or system not working) is material.
Occupancy. Whether your home is permanently lived in, unoccupied for more than 31 days, or used as a holiday home/commune, we need to know.
Structural alterations. Any big renovations or changes to the building itself can be considered material.
Claims and losses. Your history of incidents, even if you didn’t claim, or weren’t insured at the time.
Financial changes. This refers to any change to your finances that could affect your ability to pay for your premiums.
The Consequences of Incorrect or Missing Information
If the information you give is untrue, incomplete, or outdated, it could count as misrepresentation, non-disclosure, or even fraud! And the consequences can be serious:
Claim rejection – your claim may not be paid.
Policy invalidity – your policy could be declared void from day one.
Immediate cancellation – Pineapple may cancel your insurance policy.
Recovery of payouts – we can reclaim any past compensation.
Refunds with deductions – where applicable, premiums may be refunded (less the cost of cover enjoyed, plus any admin deductions). Refunds are usually limited to a backdated 12-month period.
Your Ongoing Responsibility
It’s essential to get your info right at the start. Thereafter, you have a continuous responsibility to let us know if anything changes. Whether it’s your home address, your security, or your living situation, we need to know!
Keeping your information updated means:
Your cover reflects your current (and actual) risk.
Your premiums are fair and accurate.
You avoid surprises or rejected claims down the line.
TIP: By staying diligent and transparent, you build a stronger foundation for your policy. This ensures that your cover delivers the protection you expect when life throws the unexpected your way.
*The information provided here is for informational purposes only. For the full terms and conditions, please consult your policy wording.