Recent studies show that many Britons increasingly admit they feel less secure and not adequately protected in their own homes.

A Peace of Mind Survey by a UK insurer showed that despite many people in the UK feeling safe at home, nearly half of respondents did not. Other insurance providers have expressed concern that recession could lead to a surge in domestic break-ins.

Not long ago, specialist insurer, Hiscox said that the credit crunch could force a rise in theft related home insurance claims following a period of prosperity and a general rise in consumers accumulating valuable personal possessions.

Rise in burglaries and fire claims

Official data shows that home owners have on average, three times more portable valuables including digital equipment such as flat screen televisions, MP3 players and iPods. They also have more jewellery, watches and fine art, than a decade ago. The value of customers’ contents insurance has gone up by 20 per cent in the last 5 years.

However, it is not just burglaries and theft that homeowners are worried about; scorching hair straighteners are lately causing real devastation in the home after more women reportedly burned their carpets in their quest for a perfect hair do. Statistics from the Association of British Insurers show that 200 homes suffer a fire every day in the UK.

It is thought that there was 16 per cent rise in the number of home insurance claims for burnt carpets due to straightening irons. The temperatures of some hair straighteners available on the high street can reach a sizzling 200°C and if left on the floor switched on could set the carpet on fire in ten minutes.

Many home insurance policies won’t cover damage to carpets caused by burning unless they have taken out additional accidental damage cover.  Insurer Swinton urges households to check their policies in order to find out whether they are covered. In cases where they are not insured, then it is worth consulting a broker about adding it.

Protecting against bad weather

Winter is the time when we retreat to the warmth and safety of our homes, however, bad weather that hit parts of UK led to a rise in home cover claims. Reports show that this winter was the most severe suffered by the UK for 18 years and shows why homeowners should have the right level of cover in place.

There was also an increase in flood warnings and households renewing their policy should make sure that it covers weather and flooding. There are optional extras across the market which is often useful for those who live in an area usually considered to be hard hit by winter weather.

This includes Halifax’s Home Emergency Cover which offers a 24/7 helpline for an additional £3 a month and guarantees to provide an approved tradesperson who will ensure that a property is safe within hours.

A majority of contents policies will cover for household items, however homeowners should know their contents limit and inform their provider if of any excesses. Critically, when taking out a home insurance, getting appropriate cover ensures that households making a theft claim, or any other claim are fully covered.