A home insurance group has warned homeowners over a New Year rise in claims.

The warning comes as property owners look to cover the cost of damage done during the festive period.

In the first week of January, the retailer witnessed a 37% hike in home claims when compared to a typical week. As a result, the bank has predicted the New Year could see over £25.4 million worth of home claims nationwide.

Ben Tyte, Home Insurance Manager, said: “In these challenging economic times, opportunist thieves could well be on the look out for unattended homes over the festive period, while large numbers of Christmas visitors could increase your chances of accidental damage, so the chances of having to make a yuletide claim increase dramatically.

“Even having the fridge and freezer very well stocked could lead to a considerable claim if there was a power cut. Leading up to Christmas we'd advise homeowners to check their home insurance policies to ensure they're automatically given extra Christmas cover.”

Homeowners have been advised to not overload plug sockets and to move glass objects out of reach of pets and children.