British travellers should check their home insurance policies carefully before setting off on their summer holidays.

According to Confused.com, people attending summer festivals need stay "vigilant" and ensure that they keep their belongings safe in order to avoid pushing up premiums.

The consumer comparison website says that many home insurance policies will still provide cover for expensive items taken away from home, up to a certain value, though insurance is invalid if items are stolen because they have not been secured.

Simon Lamble, Confused.com product director, commented: "Using facilities on offer such as lockers, or making sure you keep belongings on you or in a safe place, is highly recommended in order that your festival does not become a washout."

Opportunistic thieves often take advantage of unmanned tents and relaxed attitudes of holidaymakers and items such as jewellery, cameras, mobile phones and mp3 players can be lost or damaged on vacation.

Consumers are also urged to shop around for the right home insurance deal that offers the right level of insurance cover.

The company has expanded the range of comparison products it offers over the last couple of years, adding home insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance, van insurance and breakdown cover, among others.