Direct Line offers identify fraud help with its home insurance

Direct Line has announced it is adding identity fraud assistance to its home insurance policy .

The firm says the service, for which there is no extra charge, will be available to all new and existing customers who take their buildings and contents home insurance out with the firm.

Andrew Lowe, head of home insurance for the company, said: Victims of identity fraud could encounter debt collectors, court actions and difficulties getting a mortgage, credit card or bank account if their credit report is not corrected.

Mr Lowe added that he thought the assistance scheme would give Direct Line home insurance customers added peace of mind.

However, he did say that prevention was the best policy when it came to identity fraud and advised that people take precautions to protect themselves from it.

According to estimates by the Home Office, identity fraud costs the UK around £1.3 billion a year.