A fifth of Brits have no home insurance
(24 January 2008)

One in five Brits have no buildings insurances, according to new research.

A survey conducted by Nationwide revealed that many people have no cover, while a quarter of those who do, do not know what their policy includes.

A further 14 per cent of people admitted to having no contents insurance- despite owning between £10,000 and £20,000 worth of items.

Nationwide's insurance director, Robin Bailey, said: "It is surprising that so many people are prepared to take such a gamble on their homes and personal belongings when you consider how much time and money we all invest in our homes."

He added that as people never know what is around the corner, it is vital to be adequately prepared.

Meanwhile, Abbey Home Insurance has suggested that increasing numbers of UK homes are being put at risk by bad weather.

The company stated that the average cost of damage caused to a home by turbulent weather is £2,699.