Flashpacking and
backpacking enthusiasts set to spend more than 30 days away from home should check their contents insurance policy, according to the AA.
In research conducted by LV=, a quarter of a million homes assessed had £35,000-worth of content visible from the outside of the house.
Ian Crowder, public relations manager for the AA, noted that while ensuring your home is secure by cancelling papers and closing all windows is essential, insurers may wish to impose additional guarantees so you remain covered.
"Your insurer may want special terms imposed, such as guarantees that the house is being regularly inspected," he explained.
"Or they may impose an additional premium or reduce level of cover, or even not cover at all."
Health insurance is also an important consideration, so holidaygoers are likely to benefit from checking their mandatory cover for travel on existing policies.
Gapyear.com estimates that 25 per cent of those embarking on
gap year travel do so uninsured, placing their parents' homes at risk.
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