For 25% of Britons, having trustworthy neighbours is the key to feeling most secure at home, according to the latest Association of British Insurers (ABI) consumer survey.

However, many homeowners are needlessly putting themselves at risk of financial disaster by overlooking basic security precautions, the ABI has warned.

To help homeowners protect themselves, the ABI has produced a guide on home insurance and some answers to common home insurance questions.

Nearly three in ten people admit to leaving doors unlocked and windows open when going out briefly, despite the fact that the survey showed 42% of people recognise the importance of good locks.

The two new ABI guides offer advice on how to ensure you buy the right amount of cover and clearly set out what is covered by standard buildings and contents insurance and options people can pay extra for, such as accidental damage cover. The ABI has also produced a home security guide providing advice such as what to do if you are leaving your home unoccupied for a long period and how this might affect your insurance.
Nick Starling, director of general insurance at the ABI, said: “While it can be reassuring for householders to have neighbours they can trust