Christmas warning for home insurance customers

With people leaving expensive gifts under the Christmas tree well before the big day, thieves will be looking to take advantage, according to one home insurance provider .

Marks and Spencer research has shown that November, December and January are the worst months for home insurance claims relating to burglary, and the firm is recommending that families remain vigilant.

Some 39 per cent of households leave all their presents in one place over Christmas and to help protect them, the company is offering unlimited cover, meaning that customers will never be underinsured.

David Wells, head of insurance for Marks and Spencer, said: Householders can take practical measures to deter burglars and protect their homes by keeping expensive Christmas presents out of view [and] closing curtains during the long dark December evenings.

Aviva recently said that the increased use of candles and cooking equipment at Christmas can cause greater risk of fire and could lead to home insurance customers having to make a claim .