Homeowners urged to check insurance policy before taking a vacation

More than a third of home insurance policies fail to provide cover for a property that is unoccupied for more than 30 days, new research has revealed.

The study, conducted by Sainsbury's Home Insurance, claims that 36 per cent of insurance policies do not protect homes left empty for more than a month.

The report states that 4.1 million Brits are intending to take an extended break over the next 12 months and that a significant number of properties do not have adequate house insurance .

Unlike some other providers, Sainbury's Home Insurance provides 60 days' cover on unoccupied properties .

Ben Tyte, Sainbury's Home Insurance manager, advises people to check with their insurance providers before committing to a vacation of 30 days or more.

He added: We find it extremely alarming that more than one in ten people taking extended breaks will advertise their absence by updating their status on social networking websites, a number that rises to 34 per cent amongst those aged 25 to 35 years.

According to Sainsbury's Home Insurance, burglaries are the reason for 15 per cent of all home insurance claims .