Say yes to cheaper van, home and car insurance

One-quarter of Britons do not have home insurance that includes property contents, according to one firm.

Confused.com has warned that this could be particularly dangerous considering that many families are set to flock abroad for the Easter weekend, leaving their homes potentially vulnerable to thieves.

Managing director Debra Williams said that while home contents cover is not legally required, it is an "absolute necessity" for a variety of reasons, even if homeowners follow precautions such as removing the packaging of expensive items from display outside the property.

"By failing to insure their home contents, Britons are potentially setting themselves up for a large bill, not to mention emotional turmoil, should they be unfortunate enough to suffer any loss or damage," she explained.

About £9 million in insurance claims was paid out to homeowners for property damage or the loss of possessions every day in 2006, according to figures from the Association of British Insurers.