Homeowners have been urged to ensure that the festive period does not end up costing them more than it needs to.

Christmas is an expensive time of year with bumper food bills and presents to buy for friends and relatives.

But as well as taking on additional debts, Brits could also be at risk if they do not check their insurance policies.

Most home insurance agreements will cover new gifts, even expensive ones, but policyholders are urged to check.

The other risk is burglary, which is more common in the darker months of the year.

Christmas offers criminals a chance for some rich pickings if people fail to properly secure their homes.

"The concern for insurers is the potential for crime over the Christmas period," warned Simon Coughlin, media relations' coordinator for Cornhill Direct.

"Official recorded crime statistics reveal an increase in domestic burglaries during the coldest and darkest months of the year."

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