Home insurance warning over hired help

Anyone who employs a handyman or such like should check their home insurance policy to make sure that it covers theft or damage by these individuals, one expert has warned.

Ruth Wilkins, head of communications at Legal and General's general insurance business, explained that there seems to be an increasing trend to employ other people to do jobs which householders would have done themselves in the past.

She said that employing outside help can involve increased security risks so people should make sure they know exactly what their home insurance policy covers.

Ms Wilkins said: We would ... recommend that people check with their home insurance provider that their home contents are protected against theft or damage caused by someone you have employed to be in your home, such as a cleaner or a builder.

Earlier this week, Elaine Parks of Legal and General reminded people that they are required to take reasonable steps to safeguard their property as part of their home insurance policy terms.