Are Christmas Presents Covered on Your Home Insurance?

That is a very good question. Co-op Insurance is urging Brits to check their home and contents insurance policies as new YouGov data reveals that a staggering one in two (52%) UK adults who celebrate Christmas don’t know if pricey presents are covered under their current policy.

Despite the widespread confusion, research from the insurer reveals that almost one in five (18%) UK adults who celebrate Christmas will spend over £500 on gifts in their household and almost one in ten (9%) will spend over a staggering £750.

Confusion comes as big ticket items may need to be listed separately with home insurance providers with the typical limit for single items ranging from £1,000 to £2,000. What’s more, it’s important to ensure accidental damage cover is in place, for any breakages or wine spillages to new items such as laptops or tablets.

Co-op Insurance is also urging people to be extra cautious as it predicts a possible rise in thieves trying to steal parcels from under the Christmas tree this festive period. Its own claims data shows that there was an almost 40% dip in the frequency of home theft claims** during the five week festive period in 2020 (December and first week of January) compared to the same period in 2019, as the nation was forced to spend more time indoors and under lockdown.

With fingers crossed for a slightly more social Yuletide this year, thieves could take advantage of a greater number of empty houses.

Andrew Nevitt, head of home insurance, Co-op Insurance, said: “It’s surprising to see that Brits are going to spend large sums of money this year on presents but aren’t always aware whether those gifts are covered by their home insurance should they get stolen or broken. With so many Christmas gifts being stored at home and on show under the tree, we’re urging the nation to check their policies. Making sure that the correct home and contents cover is in place over the festive season will allow revellers to focus on the festivities with their family and friends instead of worrying that something may get stolen or broken.”

To offer its customers and members extra protection and peace of mind, Co-op Insurance automatically increases its customer’s contents cover by 10% at Christmas time. The sum insured on contents goes up 30 days before and 30 days after 25^th December when the value of contents is increased due to gifts or purchases, to allow for additional valuables in the home.

Co-op Insurance offers the following advice to keep your home and belongings safe throughout the festive period:

·       Check your insurance policy. Presents kept in your home will be covered by your usual contents insurance, but if you’ve bought big ticket items as gifts they may need to be listed separately. Check your policy and call your insurer if you’ve purchased anything above your limit.

·       Also check to see if your insurance policy covers accidental damage cover, for any breakages to new items such as laptops, or wine spillages over the Christmas period.

·       Make sure high value items such as gadgets are covered away from the home as these are not necessarily included on a standard home insurance policy – personal possessions cover is often required.

·       Lock all windows and doors securely and switch on your alarm system when going out or at night time.

·       Close your curtains when you have the lights on inside, in the dark winter months it is easy to tell when a house is unoccupied and burglars can use this to their advantage.

·       If you’re out for the night, leave a light on inside to look like the house is occupied.

·       Be sure to leave your presents out of sight and well hidden, even when they’ve been opened.

·       Be careful what you post on social media. As tempting as it is to show off a beautiful Christmas tree laden with presents, or what Santa brought you for Christmas, think carefully who will be able to read your posts, and make sure you check your privacy settings to see who can and who can’t read them.

·       After the mania of present opening, discard your cardboard packaging in your bin outside or better still take it to your local recycling centre, don’t leave it on show outside for thieves to see what presents you’ve got.

For more information on home and contents cover please visit Co-op Insurance for further information.