Research by Norwich Union has revealed that homeowners in flood hit areas of the UK have done little or nothing to protect their property against the risk of future flood damage.

The study, which questioned 1500 people from across the UK and areas affected by the 2007 floods, reveals that 83% of those living in Gloucester, Tewksbury, Hull, Rotherham and Sheffield believe they can do nothing to protect their home from further flooding. As a result, 95% have not taken any action to prevent or reduce the potential damage and trauma of another flooding event.

Of those questioned, 46% said they chose not to make changes because they "wanted their home put back exactly as it was before" and 45% believe it is the responsibility of their local authority or the Government to take action.

Further key findings from the study include:

• 79% of people mistakenly believe there is nothing that can be done to protect homes from flooding damage except from moving furniture or using sand bags. A figure that increases to 83% for homeowners in flood hit areas
• 23% said their fear of flooding has increased which rises to 43% in flood hit areas
• 31% of people areas already hit by flooding say they don't know what to do to protect their property
• 20% believe it could be too expensive to make their homes flood resilient and 21% said it's too much hassle
• Just 29% of people living in areas hit by last year's floods think they live in a flood area.

Chief executive of the National Flood Forum, Mary Dhonau, commented... "Having been flooded myself, I know what an awful experience it can be. The findings of this report have shocked me because there is so much more people can do than using the humble, not to mention, ineffective sandbag. As someone who has witnessed the huge benefits of flood resilient repairs, I'm a huge advocate of taking measures to protect your home."

Head of flood mapping at Norwich Union, Simon Black, says "There is a clear need for more education and understanding about the benefits of flood resistant and resilient measures. While home insurance will protect people from the majority of costs caused by flooding, no insurance policy can replace those significant personal belongings with sentimental value. Similarly no policy will be able to spare families the inconvenience and stress of being forced from their homes while it is being dried out and repaired."

There is also a potential financial benefit for home owners that can show they have taken steps to protect their properties as insurers can take this into account when assessing future premiums and cover.

From 1st February, Post Office home insurance is offering new customers up to £50 cash back on it's combined buildings and contents insurance.

The cash back deal is available on home insurance policies bought via the Post Office website, by visiting any local Post Office or calling 0800 169 6500. Customers taking out buildings and home contents insurance will receive up to £50 or £25 cash back for each policy.

Director of insurance at the Post Office, Phil Ashkuri said... "We advise people to look carefully when choosing new insurance cover as many providers may offer great promotions but the detail of the policy may not deliver the right level of cover or value for money. But, there are things people can do to ensure they get the best possible deal. For example, checking your level of excess can help reduce your premiums."

Post Office Home Insurance includes:

• Accidental damage cover
• 24 hour Home Emergency Assistance cover
• Cover for your flat screen, mobile phone and MP3 player
• £500 garden contents cover
• 10% extra cover at Christmas

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.

Customers who get a quote for Tesco Home Insurance before 11th December will qualify for a 50% discount off the first year?s premium for buildings and contents insurance.

The deal is available to new customers who buy a policy within 90 days and applies for the first year only. Customers can buy buildings or contents cover separately and still get the 50% discount deal.

Head of Insurance at Tesco Personal Finance, Allan Burns, commented... "Our winter offer can help take the edge off the extra costs of running a home that winter brings".

Sainsburys home insurance has introduced a new discount offering 12 months buildings and contents cover for the price of nine, plus an additional 10% discount if you buy online. The new discounts are available to new customers buying both buildings and contents cover together between 2nd October and 27th November 2007.

Head of Home Insurance at Sainsbury's, Steve Johnson, said.. "Home insurance policies vary dramatically so its essential people compare policies not only on price but also on the level of cover they provide. Quality cover such as unlimited buildings insurance doesn't have to be expensive and although premiums have been rising, by shopping around and taking advantage of discounts such as ours, there are significant savings to be made."

In addition to these discounts, Sainsburys home insurance policy offers a comprehensive range of benefits including:

• Unlimited buildings cover


• No charge for paying your premiums monthly by direct debit


• Maximum no-claims discount of up to 30% as standard


• Protect your no-claims discount


• Accidental damage cover (extra cost) - even if damage is cause by pets

To find out more about the policy and new discounts visit www.sainsburysbank.co.uk or call 0800 731 7978.

University students starting or returning to their courses are being urged to get adequate student possessions insurance to protect themselves and their valuables. Figures released by the Home Office show that 1 in 3 students are a victim of crime each year, and three times more likely to be burgled than the average home owner.

The advice comes from the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA), which has issued tips to help protect students from theft while on campus. Every year, University halls of residence and student houses become rich pickings for burglars as so many contain costly equipment such as laptops, TVs, DVD players, stereos and iPods.

As students head off for Universities around the UK, Technical Services Manager at BIBA, Graeme Trudgill, warned...

"Too many students head to university without adequate insurance. All too often, insurance is the last thing a student will think of and they will dismiss not being a priority. We want to make sure that students starting out this autumn check whether they are covered through their parents' home policy. If they are not it is vital they purchase a student policy to cover them. A broker offers impartial advice and tailored insurance packages for students that don't break the bank. So that even those on a tight budget can find suitable protection".

Gemma Tumelty, President of the NUS, commented...

"Understandably for most cash strapped students, adding the expense of an insurance policy may not make the 'must do' list. But given how much most students will have locked up in the value of laptops, mobile phones and other valuables, we would urge them to reconsider and ensure that they don't risk their possessions or having to shell out huge amounts to replace them".

Recent studies by Endsleigh student insurance showed that valuables on display can attract opportunist thieves ? so students should be careful not to leave laptops lying out on coffee tables or bicycles in places which are visible from outside.

BIBA advises students that...

• Valuables should not be visible from windows


• Check that locks have been changed since the last tenants left


• Make sure that there are adequate locks on front or back doors


• Be aware that high value items such as laptops may require separate cover


• Read the small print on any policy to see in when cover might be invalid


• If you are unsure, consult a broker for advice on your insurance needs


• Check the cover on items temporarily removed from your home. The level of cover can vary hugely from policy to policy

More than a third of UK homeowners don't bother to read their insurance documents according to research by Tesco Home Insurance.

The study found that 34% of policyholders prefer to leave these important documents languishing in a drawer rather than familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions of their cover. Of those questioned, 41% admit that their home contents cover limit might not be adequate because they've never checked their policy.

Head of Tesco Home Insurance, Allan Burns, said: "We would urge all homeowners to read through their policy documents to understand the terms and conditions of the policy they have purchased. If they are unsure of any element of the cover they should contact their insurer for advice."

Tesco also found that over a third (36%) could discover that they aren't insured for valued possessions such as engagement rings or expensive watches, as they have never checked the individual article limit on their policy after splashing out on valuable items. Nearly one in five (19%) may also be neglecting important elements of their home insurance by only searching for the cheapest policy and not taking cover limits into account.

Allan Burns continues: "It's important to be practical about how you protect high value possessions to avoid any confusion or disappointment if you need to claim. Check your insurer's individual article limits and if the price of any valuable item exceeds this then specify it on your policy."

In a bid to help consumers find the right cover for them Tesco Home Insurance offers the following ten tips:

1. Know what you need, buildings and contents cover or just contents only.


2. Consider buying buildings and contents cover together as this can offer better value than buying from separet providers.


3. Remember to compare like with like when you're shopping around for the best price. Check that the policy limits and level of cover are suitable for your circumstances as not all policies are the same.


4. Specify any valuables worth more than your insurers individual article limit.


5. Read your policy documents as soon as they arrive. Check for any errors and that the cover still meets your needs. If you're in any doubt contact your insurer.


6. Write down a list of your home contents and how much they're worth in total to make sure you're not underinsured.


7. Remember to keep your insurance company updated with any changes that might have an impact on your policy.


8. Consider adding personal belongings insurance to cover you while you're out of your home. It could prove to be a false economy leaving it off your policy.


9. Also think about buying family legal protection as this could save you hundreds of pounds.


10. Another useful option to consider is accidental damage cover.