Re-evaluation time for home contents insurance

Britons are being urged to check that they have adequate home contents insurance in place, as many households may be left underinsured after Christmas.

Halifax Home Insurance says that many of the seasonal home contents insurance extensions some insurance companies offer may already have expired, meaning that belongings do not have adequate insurance.

The insurance company says householders should check their home insurance policy documents to ensure their possessions are insured.

However, those with home contents insurance policies from Halifax have no need to do this, says the insurance company's senior underwriter, Vicky Emmott.

Halifax policyholders can relax as unlike most insurers it offers unlimited contents cover all year round, she says.

Ms Emmott says that even though some insurance companies increase home contents insurance over Christmas, insurance policyholders still need to re-evaluate their home contents insurance in the new year.

It's vital for people without unlimited cover to remember to update their insurer with any changes to their contents value and be aware that some insurers, but not Halifax, will penalise customers who underestimate the value of their belongings, Ms Emmott concludes.