Make sure you’re not under-insured this Christmas

Now that the winter nights are drawing in and Christmas is just around the corner, esure home insurance is urging UK homeowners to make sure they aren't under-insured during this year's festive period.

With a clear increase in the value of theft claims over winter months it is important that homeowners have suitable contents cover for all of their Christmas gifts and valuable items. That's why esure home insurance offers a 15 per cent increase in contents cover for policyholders between 1st December and 15th January to ensure they are fully covered in case it's not just Santa that comes to visit!

With spending on the high street starting to drop off, the number of sales bargains to be had are on the up. When estimating the value of contents, it's important for homeowners to understand that it's the replacement value or original price tag that counts, not how much you actually paid. Also, items above £1500 must be specified on your home insurance policy - including presents for others.

Mike Pickard, Head of Risk and Underwriting at esure home insurance, said: "Christmas gifts that you have bought for friends and family as well as presents that you've received can add up to a hefty sum. It is important to make sure you have ample contents cover, especially around this time of year when thefts tend to be more targeted and the value of burglaries are higher than any other season."

esure offers some top tips on how to prevent a burglary this Christmas:

Hide your presents: Don't leave Christmas presents under the tree if they can be seen from outside the house. Put them in the loft or a cupboard that's preferably not on the ground floor.

Don't leave your house looking empty: If you are leaving your property unattended, give the impression that the house is occupied by using light timers and consider leaving the radio on.

Dispose of your rubbish with care: Empty boxes outside your home advertises
what you got for Christmas so dispose of empty boxes in bin bags or go to your local recycling centre.

Be tighter on home security: Take extra care and make sure you have locked all doors and windows, including those on upper levels.

Keep unwanted eyes out: Make sure all blinds and curtains are closed at night.