There are though, some insurers who treat their under insured clients quite differently. Take Norwich Union for example; they’ll pay out up to the insured value and anything over that has to come out of your own pocket.

Many insurers, set the minimum level for Contents Insurance at £15,000 but this still wouldn’t cover most homes as the average value now stands at £45,000. Some insurance providers are particularly worried about the problem of under insurance. More Than have recently increased the Contents cover for all their clients by 25%, a generous offer indeed! Their spokesman said of the raise: "The increases will be made from the customers renewal dates. There will be no direct effect on premiums until then." We expect many other insurers to follow.

If you're not too sure how to value your contents, there is help out there. Remember that contents insurance covers every single moveable object in your home - so if isn't bolted down insure it! You’ll find a useful checklist for valuing your contents at www.abi.co.uk.

So take a second look at your contents insurance and make sure everything that could possibly be stolen is included from your television and stereo to pot plants and teacups!

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