Insurance warning for homeowners at Christmas

Brad King, MD of compareandsave.com: “As consumers fill their homes with expensive gifts for loved ones this Christmas they should be aware that their home insurance may not cover them if they go over their contents limit.

In 2007, the average couple forked out £840 on presents, drink and decorations during the Christmas period and research we recently conducted shows many don’t plan to cut back this year. Unfortunately expensive gadgets and toys not only make great presents but they are an appealing target for thieves.

Before hitting the shops consumers should be looking at their home insurance policies to check they have sufficient cover their Christmas purchases.

Fortunately, the majority of home insurers offer, as standard, increased cover for a period of time before and after Christmas - this is usually a set amount of approximately £5,000 or 10%.

If an insurer does not offer extra cover over the Christmas period consumers should speak to them about taking out additional cover over the festive period. It’s not worth taking the risk of going without.

When up for renewal it is always worth consumers taking time to compare home insurance policies to see if they can get one that includes additional Christmas cover for a similar price. This could not only save people money in the short term but could also result in big long term savings.”