Could my insurance be invalid.?

[diamond44]

I live in a private property in a Close comprising of four houses. When I first moved here I approached my local council asking whether I was able to install a gate leading to the green area behind my house so I was able to take my dogs for a walk rather than walk 1/2 mile through residential streets to eventually get to the same point. The council advised that as this was a perimeter fence and not physically owned by me I was unable to do so.

Ten years down the line, my neighbour has now done just that (although for what purpose I can only hazard a guess as they have no pets). My question is, now they have now given access through to the green public areas behind our properties and obviously a quick getaway in the case of burglary, does this affect mine and my other neighbours' insurance policies in that we now have public access to our Close other than from the public road? I am concerned as there have been a spate of burglaries over the last year from fence jumping, now they are being given access through a gate.

Any assistance greatly appreciated.

[redcrx]

have you ever been asked by your insurers if you have a gate?

[trt]

Have you thought to phone your insurance company to find out?

[chelle7272]

It's probably worth checking. My insurers do ask about means of access to the property and whether it backs onto private or public space. best to find out now rather then if you have to claim.

[redcrx]

you dont have a gate. If they gain access through your neighbours i presume they still have a fence to jump to get to yours.

If a burglar wants in then they will find a way, not just avoid houses without gates.

[joko]

i agree...assuming the fence isnt 30ft high, the lack of gate will not stop a burglar

[Dodger666]

If it bothers you perhaps you should notify the council about the gate, anonymously of course. That's unless they let you use it.