Take a look around you now and think about how much a brand new replacement for all the items in the room where you’re sitting would cost – starting with your computer, the desk it’s resting on and the chair you’re sitting on!

The chances are you own a number of expensive gadgets, such as home entertainment equipment and DVDs, not to mention clothing and jewellery, and don’t forget curtains, carpets and the rest of your furniture.

If you were to fall victim to burglars, a fire or flood, having the right level of home contents insurance would help you and your family get back on track during the most difficult times.

Here are some tips for getting the right level of home contents insurance:

• Make a list of the contents of each room (including the loft) and find out how much new replacements would cost. Add it all up then check the cover limit is sufficient.
• Check the single item limits and total high risk item limit for valuables such as your home entertainment equipment and jewellery – you may need extra cover or specialist insurance for some items.
• Add personal possessions cover to your home insurance if you want cover for your belongings that you use outside of the home and on holiday such as MP3 players or jewellery.
• Add accidental damage cover to protect against DIY accidents like paint spills on the carpet, the kids drawing on the walls or knocking ornaments off the window sill!