Avoid the nightmare before Christmas

‘Tis the season for excessive spending and this year Brits are set to spend an average of £385 each on Christmas presents for their friends and family. This means that across the UK around £18.3 billion worth of gifts will be sat underneath Christmas trees this December.

However, security seems to be the last thing on people’s minds as research by Direct Line Home Insurance reveals that 42% of Brits hide all their presents in one place - in the main bedroom - giving burglars a better chance of finding all the Christmas gifts in one go.

Andrew Lowe, Head of Home Insurance at Direct Line said: “With all the extra possessions in the home, Christmas can be a popular time for burglaries so people need to make sure they are vigilant with their home security.

“Those buying popular gadgets such as digital cameras, laptops, iPods and the new iPhone need to be especially careful as these items can be easy-pickings for burglars to steal and re-sell.

“After Christmas and New Year some may find that the value of their household contents has significantly increased in value, so it is worth reassessing home insurance policies to make sure people are not underinsured.”

Research shows that it’s not only Christmas presents that may need additional insurance over the festive season. Last year Brits also spent a total of £5.5 billion in the January sales, snapping up bargains in clothing and gadgets.

From 1st December to 15th January, Direct Line increases its home contents insurance by £5,000 or 10% of the sum insured (whichever is greater) to cover Christmas gifts.