Check with home insurer before renting out space

People looking to make a little extra cash by renting out all or part of their homes need to ensure they have adequate home insurance in place, according to one provider.

esure suggests that with big events such as Wimbledon on the horizon, people with properties in good locations may be thinking about turning their homes into bed and breakfasts, taking in a lodger or even renting out space on their driveway.

The firm warns that people undertaking such ventures must look into what conditions they would have to meet for their home insurance to be valid.

Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting at esure home insurance, said: Don't let an 'ace' business idea turn into a disaster. Making sure your home is adequately covered and that your property is properly secured should be your number one priority before letting any paying guests use your home and its facilities.

Last week, research from Pi-Property Insurance revealed that many landlords are trying to lower their risk levels by making sensible insurance decisions, with 40 per cent of those questioned thinking they could be more aware of the risks and costs of property insurance .