Half a million spend over a day a week worrying

Brits are a nation of worriers. Research released by Abbey Insurance shows that half a million stressed out Brits spend over 25 hours a week worrying. Home and possessions top the worry chart with 67 per cent stressing that their house and its contents are at risk, and nearly half of Brits (48 per cent) are worrying about their money situation.

In line with the stereotype, those in London and the South East are the biggest worriers whilst Scots appear to be the most relaxed. Women seem to be taking the bigger burden and worry more than men about property, possessions and money matters – with 49 per cent of women stressing about their finances compared to 47 per cent of men.

The credit crunch and talk of recession has intensified the worry. Abbey Insurance has seen an increase in people taking out its mortgage repayment cover – Paymentcare – to cover mortgage payments and some additional expenses for a year if they lose their regular income through no fault of their own.

Lloyd Wilson, Head of Abbey Insurance, said: “The current climate has seen more people worry about the event of job loss. While you cannot predict the future, you can at least be prepared for it.

Lloyd Wilson continued: "While it is natural for people to worry a bit about their property and financial security, for the people who worry for more than 25 hours a week, it’s more than just a healthy concern. People need to find ways to put their mind at rest.

“Abbey Insurance offers comprehensive insurance products across home, contents, income protection and life insurance, that are designed to offer peace of mind and ease the worry of everyday life. We want our customers to feel that should the worst happen they will, at least, have the financial side of things covered.”

For more information about Abbey’s home insurance, visit abbey.com.