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How many extra pounds are you carrying after Christmas?

23rd December 2014 Print

Towergate Insurance has found that the average person is now carrying £742 worth of possessions as they travel to and from work. And with 30% of commuters incorrectly thinking their belongings are automatically covered by their home contents insurance, those prized Christmas gifts could be at risk.

According to Towergate’s research, female commuters are carrying a more sizeable price tag of close to £800 (£775), thanks to pricy gadgets. This figure comes in at nearly £100 more than their male counterparts, who are ‘worth’ just over £690. 

With people’s pockets and handbags swollen after Christmas, it’s no surprise that technology is leading the way. Topping the list of most expensive items regularly carried on the daily commute are laptops (£304), mobile phones (£203), jewellery (£155) and glasses (£119).

Today’s commuter has more technology than the first rocket on the moon, allowing them to work on the move, keep up to date with the latest news and stay in touch with the people that matter most. But these items add up to a substantial amount which can all too easily be lost, stolen or damaged.

Towergate Insurance is highlighting the value of the items we regularly carry to work in order to underline the need for adequate home contents insurance to ensure your possessions are covered when out and about and away from home. 

According to the research, 3 out of 10 commuters are wrongly under the impression that all their items are covered by their home contents insurance, regardless of expense. In particular, lavish watches, jewellery and handbags in excess of £1,500 would not necessarily be covered by a standard home contents insurance policy.

Drew Wotherspoon, Marketing Director of Towergate Insurance Direct, said: “It’s vitally important customers understand the nature of their home contents insurance and what it covers outside of the home.

“Your average commuter illustrates perfectly the value of the possessions we regularly carry around with us, day in day out without even thinking. How many of us have lost or had personal items stolen on the way to and from work? And with Christmas gifts added into the mix, it’s even easier to misplace something when travelling.” 

Comparisons up and down the country reveal London commuters (£951) are carrying the biggest price tag, 28% above the national average of £742. Whilst those living in Liverpool (£638) and Bristol (£639) are carrying the lowest value of possessions when commuting – nearly 15% lower than the national average.  

Whether travelling home from work or to see friends and family this Christmas, it’s worth considering the value of gifts you are travelling with to make sure they are also covered by your policy. 

Towergate Insurance understands what is important for customers throughout different times of the year. For example, Towergate’s specialist home insurance policy automatically increases your contents sum insured during the Christmas period to cover those newly purchased gifts. For further information visit towergateinsurance.co.uk.