There are a huge number of proactive steps homeowners can take to lower their insurance premiums, it has been claimed.

Jonathan French, assistant director of media relations at the Association of British Insurers (ABI), says that burglar alarms and secure locks on windows and doors are two options available to people - as is searching around for the best deal.

Voluntary excess increases are also an option, he explains: "Voluntary excesses have always been part of insurance policies of all kinds.

"People can save money on their monthly premiums by opting for a higher voluntary excess but that comes down to a matter of personal choice because what it means is that, while your premiums are lower each month, if you have to make a claim you will be liable for whatever the excess on your policy is. It is a way of saving money on your monthly premiums."

According to research published by the ABI in relation to 2006, roughly 75 per cent of households in the UK have some kind of home contents insurance and 65 per cent of people take out building insurance.

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