What happens if I don't tell the insurer something on my application?
If you give incorrect or incomplete information, a claim could be reduced or declined, or the policy cancelled. What happens depends on whether the mistake was honest, careless or deliberate, and what the insurer would have done if it had known. If you realise something was wrong, tell the insurer as soon as possible.
Careless mistakes
The insurer's response should reflect what it would have done, such as charging more or adding an exclusion.
Deliberate omissions
These are treated much more seriously and can mean the policy is cancelled with no payout.
Correcting it now
Telling the insurer before a claim lets them update your terms and removes uncertainty.
This article is general information about UK protection insurance, not personalised financial advice. Policy terms vary between insurers and products, so always check your own policy documents.
Last updated 27 October 2026