How much have you spent on Christmas presents this year? As higher value items such as games consoles, phones or music players make it onto more and more wish lists, Halifax home insurance is warning households to check that their contents cover doesn't leave them underinsured.

Whilst some home insurance companies attempt to solve the problem of underinsurance with higher levels of cover before and after Christmas, Halifax Home Insurance warns that many people may find themselves underinsured once this extra cover expires as the most expensive gifts for immediate family members remain in the home.

Senior Underwriter for Halifax Home Insurance, David Rochester commented... "Halifax customers can relax at Christmas as, unlike most insurers, it offers unlimited contents cover all year round. Although some insurers will increase contents cover over Christmas, this still leaves the problem of re-evaluating your contents in the New Year. It's vital for people without unlimited cover to remember to update their insurer with any changes to their contents value and be aware that some insurers will penalise customers who underestimate the value of their belongings."

The Halifax also encourages those planning to store Christmas presents at a friend, relative or neighbour's house to check that their home insurance policy will cover their contents (presents) against loss or damage whilst away from the home.

Halifax Home Insurance covers items stored away from the owner's house if they are left in an occupied house or dwelling for up to 90 days, but not every insurer offers this level of cover. As higher value gifts can increase the value of home contents by hundreds or even thousands of pounds, a quick check of your current policy can ensure you aren't disappointed this Christmas.