Households urged to insure their gifts

Households have been advised to ensure that the Christmas presents they received are adequately insured.

Richard Mason, director of insurance at moneysupermarket.com, said that people ought to insure their gifts , whether they are wanted or unwanted.

Consumers need to check their home insurance policies to make sure that their provider offers a seasonal uplift in cover to protect Christmas gifts, he advised.

Don't risk being underinsured in the event of damage or burglary, especially as it seems there will already be enough disappointment around the Christmas tree , he commented.

Earlier this month, David Rochester, head of underwriting for Halifax Home Insurance , suggested that winter is an ideal time mark to home security measures.

The expert claimed that Christmas presents can be rich picking for burglars at this time of year and can prove all too tempting for some criminals.

Households should consider installing security lights to deter thieves and ensuring all windows and doors in unoccupied rooms are locked, he stated.