Home insurance advice given to World Cup revellers

Football fans have been urged to keep their houses safe during this summer's tournament, to avoid costly claims on their home insurance.

While is may be a potential claim on Wayne Rooney's medical insurance that's making the headlines, home insurance providers Zurich Insurance have warned that around six million people may leave houses unattended while out enjoying the football.

Figures provided indicate that 4.5 million people in the UK are planning to watch the games in pubs or bars, while around 1.5 million intend to watch at a friend or relative's house.

Martin Hall, head of home underwriting at Zurich Insurance, has warned that not all burglars are football fans.

Our research has found that at least six million people are planning to leave their homes to watch the football next month, that means a lot of empty houses and distracted home owners.

So while you’re out supporting your country, opportunist burglars could be looking for empty properties, safe in the knowledge that the occupants aren’t going to be home for at least another 90 minutes, he added.

Recent reports from the Confederation of British Industry have suggested that as many as one in seven men could be planning to take a 'sickie' from work to watch England's matches, as huge public interest in the tournament is expected across the UK.