Home insurance warning for cyclists

Keen cyclists should make sure that their home insurance policy covers their bike if it is stolen from a public place, one expert has warned.

David Rochester, head of underwriting at Halifax Home Insurance, explained that as the average price of such items is more than £300, people could be out of pocket if their bike is not covered.

He said: One bicycle theft occurring every 65 seconds in the UK is shocking. With the majority of thefts affecting bikes which have been placed under lock and key, it may be worth considering spending a little more money for a high security lock which may stand a better chance of deterring a thief.

People should also make sure that they report any theft to the police as soon as possible or they might not be able to make a claim, even if the loss is covered by their home insurance, he concluded.

Last week, Neil Laird, Sainsbury's Home Insurance manager, stated that anyone who is planning on planting a tree in their garden should make sure that it will not damage the house .