Staycation Brits warned to check home insurance

As the British economy remains stagnant and the pound outlook gloomy, holidaymakers who once flocked to sunny Mediterranean shores for their annual two week break are increasingly choosing to holiday in the UK.

Bookings at caravan sites are up by a quarter, VisitBritain is predicting a 20 per cent rise in British holidays this summer and VisitScotland is expecting a 25 per cent rise.

However, as Brits dust off the deck chairs at traditional seaside resorts and negotiate tight corners in caravans, Age Concern Insurance Services issues a warning to everyone choosing to holiday in the UK to check that their possessions, including any holiday equipment, is covered under their home insurance policies. Most policies only offer contents cover away from home as an optional extra and others will not protect your valuables in all circumstances when taking them with you on a break, let alone cover against damage to caravans or campervans.

Malcolm Tarling, at the Association of British Insurers, says: "Going on holiday should be a relaxing experience. But if the worst happens you could remember it for all the wrong reasons. Making sure your home is secure while you are away, and checking your insurance cover, will ensure that you remember your holiday for all the right reasons."

Joe Young from Age Concern Insurance Services says: "Here at Age Concern and Help the Aged we understand just how tempting it can be to chuck everything in the car and head off on holiday for a few days. It's all too easy to let your guard down and leave valuable possessions on display or in a place where they can be easily stolen.

"We are reminding all holidaymakers to take extra care when taking a break and check that their home insurance policy covers them appropriately, both in and away from the home."

Age Concern Insurance Services offers Home Insurance policies that are designed for customers over 50 years of age. It is also one of the few schemes to offer a very low minimum sum insured of £7,500, allowing older people with fewer possessions to pay only for the cover they need. Age Concern Insurance Services also offers the flexibility to spread the cost of insurance by paying in instalments at no extra cost (0% APR Typical), and are currently offering contents insurance from less than £40. For more information, visit ageconcern.org.uk/homeinsurance or visit your local Age Concern.

Profits generated by Age Concern Insurance Services go directly to the Age Concern and Help the Aged charity, raising additional funds for invaluable support services such as day centres, home visits and transportation as well as helping the charity campaign for the well-being and rights of older people. Age Concern Enterprises is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority for insurance mediation.