Home insurance caution for empty houses

British homes are seemingly becoming more like hotels, with many householders spending increasingly less time at their residences, according to an insurance company.

More Than suggests that with Britons working longer hours and taking more time to commute, their homes are often left unoccupied and used as little more than a place to sleep.

Research by the insurance company revealed that people have less time available for housekeeping, cooking and shopping for groceries.

This is a result of the modern work environment that puts increasing pressure on people, according to the head of insurance at More Than, David Pitt.

He says: So despite our national obsession with owning property, our homes are becoming more and more like hotels - simply places to sleep and store clothes.

An average of three per cent of homes are burgled annually, the British Crime Survey reveals, with low levels of occupancy highlighted as a key factor in homes' vulnerability.

Despite taking safety and security measures around the home, More Than is urging householders to ensure they have adequate home contents insurance in place.

The insurance company says home contents insurance should cover belongings for a generous limit, as possessions are often worth more than what owners estimate.

Home insurance should also be adequate to protect against damage caused by fire, floods and accidental damage, More Than concludes.