Do tyres over five years old invalidate your insurance?

I was under the impression that tyres over five years old would invalidate your insurance no matter what type they were. How can part worn tyres be allowed?

Will my new 215/45 R16 tyres feel very different to my current 185/60 R14 tyres?

I'm about to change from a 2006 Skoda Fabia with 185/60 R14 tyres to a 2016 Skoda Fabia with 215/45 R16 tyres. Is the ride comfort likely to be much different and will they last longer?