Home insurance customers issued with warning

Home insurance customers have been warned that heading abroad for an extended trip could risk leaving their abodes uninsured.

Moneysupermarket.com said that home insurance policies could become invalid if left unoccupied for only 30 days.

This news could worry the half a million Brits who live abroad for part of the year and almost 300,000 people that head off on a career break or gap year in retirement each year.

However, the price comparison site stressed that globetrotting Brits should be aware the small print varies between providers.

Julie Owens, head of home insurance at moneysupermarket.com, said: Providers are very strict on how long a home can be left unoccupied for, and it is therefore vital you inform your insurer if you plan to be away for longer than the stated length of time as this may invalidate your policy. Earlier this week, meanwhile, Telegraph journalist Christopher Middleton claimed that home insurance firms are often reluctant to conduct business with Britons who own old properties.