Uninsured Brits risk a costly bank holiday weekend

Over 5 million Britons (10%) are either planning to go on holiday in the last week of April or host a Royal Wedding party despite having no home insurance, risking a costly May bank holiday weekend as their homes are not protected, according to research from Sainsbury's Home Insurance.
 
Around 4.32 million people - 58% of those planning to go on holiday during the last week in April - admit to not having home insurance. Sainsbury's Finance is warning that a vacant home can be an open invitation to burglars and that uninsured homeowners could end up footing a costly bill for damage to their homes and any possessions stolen should they be burgled.

In addition, nearly half (44%) of those planning to host a Royal Wedding party do not have home insurance, and with an increased risk of accidental damage during a house party, it could end up being an expensive gathering.

Ben Tyte, Sainsbury's Home Insurance Manager said: "We're encouraging all homeowners going on holiday to check they have a good quality home insurance policy, and all homeowners who are hosting a party to check that they are covered for accidental damage. Those who are not insured should invest in a policy as soon as they can; shopping around for one is easy to do, and having peace of mind that you're covered is invaluable."

People in the South East are the most likely to be planning a Wills & Kate party, with 7% of adults planning to do so. This is followed by the North West, where 6% of adults plan to have guests over to celebrate the Royal Wedding.

Sainsbury's Home Insurance has the following advice for homeowners:

If you are going away make sure all your windows and doors are locked and your burglar alarm is switched on

Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your home while you are away

Remember to check your contents policy and make sure you've got good accidental damage cover - some do not cover mishaps such as spills

If you are having a party make sure doors are closed behind guests so gatecrashers can't walk in, as this may invalidate your insurance

Move expensive items to another room where your guests won't be, for example electrical equipment, glass furniture etc.

Sainsbury's Home Insurance is currently offering new customers purchasing combined buildings and contents cover online a £40 Sainsbury's gift card to use in store. This offer is available to customers with a Nectar card and complements the existing three-way discount package which consists of a 5% online discount, a further 15% discount for buying a combined buildings and contents policy, and for those with five or more claim-free years a 30% no-claims discount.  Where more than one discount applies, discounts will be applied consecutively to the reduced premium. Minimum premium applies. Customers who retain the combined cover for two years will also benefit from double Nectar points on all their Sainsbury's shopping for two years.