Confused.com Enlists Ex-Burglar To Offer Tips on Home Safety This Christmas

CARDIFF, Wales, Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ --  Confused.com, the home insurance specialist, has revealed the results of new research that found that 72% of Brits feel more at risk of burglaries at Christmas, yet only one in four increase home security during this expensive time of year. Research shows a 63% increase in burglaries during the winter months at an average cost of 2,623 pounds.

Generous Brits are expected to spend an average of 250 pounds on presents this Christmas and, according to research, the most likely hiding place for all these presents is under the bed (34%). However, with more luxury gifts and food and drink in the house than at any other time of the year, the average home very quickly becomes a tempting place for opportunistic burglars.

To help homeowners be security savvy this Christmas, Confused.com Home Insurance have enlisted ex-burglar and home security expert Michael Fraser to offer tips and advice on how to keep the home safe.

Michael Fraser commented: "There are simple measures homeowners can take to minimise the risk of burglaries. For instance, the research revealed that the living room is the most valuable room in their house (49% of Brits cited in the survey); it's also a popular target for burglars. So I would advise people not to put presents under the Christmas tree until the last possible moment and closing the curtains can also help. Think carefully about where you place your valuables, make sure that they are secure and your home insurance covers you for any losses should the worst happen."

Gareth Kloet, Head of Home Insurance for Confused.com said: "It may sound basic but simple steps taken to protect your home could save you money and possible heartbreak at Christmas. Homeowners should be aware each home insurance provider has their own set of conditions, so make sure your items are valued correctly to avoid any unhappy faces on Christmas Day."

About Confused.com

Confused.com is one of the UK's biggest and most popular price comparison services. Launched in 2002, it generates over one million quotes per month. It has expanded its range of comparison products over the last couple of years to include home insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance, van insurance, motorbike insurance, breakdown cover and energy, as well as financial services products including credit cards, loans, mortgages and life insurance.

Confused.com is not a supplier, insurance company or broker. It provides a free, objective and unbiased comparison service. By using cutting-edge technology, it has developed a series of intelligent web-based solutions that evaluate a number of risk factors to help customers with their decision-making, subsequently finding them great deals on a wide-range of insurance products, financial services, utilities and more. Confused.com's service is based on the most up-to-date information provided by UK suppliers and industry regulators.

Confused.com is owned by the Admiral Group plc. Admiral listed on the London Stock Exchange in September 2004. Confused.com is regulated by the FSA.

SOURCE Confused.com