How celebrating Christmas may be an insurance hazard

Wokingham District Council has successfully prevented a homeowner from decorating the outside of his home with large illuminations – because they attract crowds and lead to an increase in crime rates for his neighbours.

Vic Moszczynski is also prevented from publicising his charity fundraising home, and from collecting donations. In the past few years these had amounted to £55,000.

Home insurers have also confirmed that the increased risk of fire should be a concern.

David Rochester, head of underwriting at Halifax home insurance, says: "Christmas lights and decorations make the home look festive and having Christmas decorations and lights would not affect your home insurance contents in any way.

"However, . . . never leave candles burning when the room is unoccupied, and be careful not to position candles too close to flammable materials such as curtains or Christmas decorations. It is also important not to overload electrical sockets when using Christmas fairy lights as this can be a fire risk too."

Liverpool Victoria insurers has also found that almost 15 million Brits leave valuable possessions on display, which leaves home owners prone to opportunist burglary.

19/12/2007 10:38:37