Home insurance warning over antiques

Those with antiques or other prized collections should make sure they are covered by their home insurance policy, one company has warned.

According to Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager for Halifax Home Insurance, people might be asked to produce proof of an items value if it is worth more than £1,500 in the event of a claim .

He said: Although in many cases collectables are irreplaceable, most people would at least want to recover any financial loss in the event of them being stolen or damaged.

People should have such items valued by an expert on a regular basis and ensure they retain a dated copy of the most recent certificate, he added.

Mr Foulds also warned that if people are underinsured they might not get back the full value of a stolen item.

Yesterday, Liverpool Victoria recommended students check their parents' home insurance policy to see if they are covered while they are away at university .