Students bringing washing back to parents' houses during the Christmas break are being warned to check the small print on their home insurance policies.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has warned them that some insurance policies may not cover possessions if lodgings are left unoccupied for any length of time - including the prime break-in period over Christmas.

Malcolm Tarling, from the ABI, advises students to "check what the requirements are about thing left" before they leave.

It is not just students who should be wary over the Christmas break.

Ordinary home insurance policyholders are being warned to keep all expensive items in the house, including any Christmas presents, well away from any windows.

"I would imagine there are an above average number of iPods and technical gadgets and all the rest of it," Mr Tarling said.

"Things that are easy to nick, things that are easy to conceal and things that are very easy to sell on."

He went on to say that now would be a good time to make sure home security was up to scratch.

This would deter burglars and could save homeowners money by reducing home insurance premiums.

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