When it comes to protecting your home, most people think about locks on doors, burglar alarms, and fire detectors. But one of the biggest risks to your property — and your finances — can lie hidden behind the walls: your electrical system.
If your electrics aren't installed or maintained to the proper standards, it can leave you dangerously exposed. In fact, poor electrical work is one of the leading causes of home insurance claims being denied. If you’re a homeowner in Goffs Oak, here’s what you need to know about how bad electrics can affect your insurance — and what you can do to make sure your home stays protected.
Why Home Insurance Can Refuse to Pay Out
Insurance companies are very clear - They expect the properties they cover to be kept in a safe, well-maintained condition. That includes:
- Up-to-date wiring
- Properly installed consumer units
- Regular inspections (especially for rented properties)
- Full compliance with current UK regulations (BS7671)
If an electrical fire, shock, or fault causes damage to your home, and the wiring is found to be unsafe, insurers may:
- Reduce the payout
- Refuse the claim altogether
- Cancel your policy
The result? You could be left paying tens — or even hundreds — of thousands of pounds in repair costs.
Common Electrical Issues That Could Invalidate Your Insurance
Here are some of the key problems insurers often flag:
- Outdated Wiring: If your home still uses old rubber or cloth-insulated cables, your electrics are considered a serious fire risk.
- Faulty Consumer Units: Consumer units (fuse boards) without RCD protection, proper earthing, or circuit separation are classed as non-compliant.
- DIY or Uncertified Work: Electrical installations carried out by unqualified individuals, or work that isn’t properly certified, is a major red flag for insurers.
- Failure to Comply with EICR Requirements: Landlords are legally required to have Electrical Installation Condition Reports every five years.
Although not mandatory for owner-occupied homes yet, insurers increasingly expect homes to have recent safety inspections.
How to Protect Your Insurance — and Your Home
Fortunately, staying protected is straightforward if you take the right steps:
- Have a Professional Electrical Inspection: If your property is over 25 years old and hasn’t been inspected recently, it’s wise to arrange a full EICR. At JJB Electrical, we provide thorough inspections and clear advice on any upgrades or repairs needed to bring your system up to standard.
- Upgrade Your Consumer Unit if Needed: Many insurance companies recommend upgrading to a modern consumer unit with full RCD protection. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce fire and electric shock risks.
- Use Certified Electricians Only: Always ensure that any electrical work, from rewires to simple socket replacements, is carried out by properly qualified electricians. You should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) after major work, and minor works certificates for smaller jobs. At JJB Electrical, every job is fully tested, documented, and certified to BS7671 standards.
- Keep Paperwork Safe: Keep your certificates, installation records, and inspection reports somewhere accessible.
You may need to provide copies if you ever make a claim.
Why Upgrading Your Electrical System is a Smart Investment
While nobody loves the idea of spending money on hidden systems like wiring, upgrading your electrics offers some very real benefits:
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your family is safe from electric shock and fire risks.
- Compliance: Your home meets modern legal and insurance standards.
- Property Value: Updated electrics make your home more attractive to future buyers.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern wiring and protection systems operate more efficiently, saving you money over time.
When you balance the relatively small cost of inspection or upgrades against the potential financial risks, it’s one of the best investments you can make in your home.
Typical Electrical Upgrades That Boost Safety
If you live in Goffs Oak and your home hasn't been upgraded recently, some key improvements might include:
- Installing a modern consumer unit with RCBOs and surge protection
- Replacing old lighting circuits with properly earthed cable
- Adding extra circuits for kitchens, home offices, or electric vehicle chargers
- Updating socket outlets to include USB charging ports (with modern safety features)
- Each upgrade not only improves your home’s functionality but ensures that if the worst ever happens, your insurer will have no reason to withhold a claim.
Recent Experience in Goffs Oak
We recently worked with a family who had purchased a 1970s property in Goffs Oak. Their home insurance provider requested proof that the electrics were safe and compliant. When we inspected the system, we found:
- An outdated fuse board with no RCD protection
- Poorly insulated cables
- DIY additions to lighting circuits
- We upgraded their consumer unit, replaced key circuits, tested everything fully, and issued an EIC.
As a result, they were able to provide their insurer with full documentation — and sleep easy knowing their home was safe and compliant.
Why Goffs Oak Homeowners Choose JJB Electrical
When it comes to something as important as your home's electrics, you need a company you can trust. Here’s why homeowners across Goffs Oak recommend JJB Electrical:
- Full NAPIT accreditation and insurance
- Clear, upfront advice and fixed quotations
- High-quality workmanship, with no corners cut
- Full certification on every job
- Friendly, respectful service from start to finish
We don't just upgrade your electrics — we make sure your entire system is safe, future-proof, and insurance-ready.
Testimonials from Goffs Oak
"We bought an older property and were nervous about the electrics. JJB Electrical were brilliant — explained everything clearly, upgraded our consumer unit, and gave us full certification. Highly recommended." — Neil and Sarah P, Goffs Oak
"JJB Electrical did a fantastic job upgrading our home. Quick, tidy, and totally professional. It’s reassuring to know everything is properly certified now." — Laura W, Goffs Oak
In Summary: Don't Leave Your Home (or Your Insurance) to Chance
Electrical faults are one of the leading causes of house fires in the UK. Outdated, uncertified, or poorly maintained systems don't just put your safety at risk — they could also leave you financially exposed. Upgrading your fuse board, arranging regular inspections, and ensuring all work is properly certified protects your family, your home, and your future.
Need Advice About Your Electrics?
If you’re unsure whether your home meets current standards, or you want to upgrade your consumer unit, we’re here to help. Call JJB Electrical today on 01992 276087 Or visit www.jjb-electrical.co.uk.
Protect your home the right way — with professional, certified electrical work you can trust.
