Unwary property owners who rent property may not be covered under a standard home insurance policy.

If for example, a couple moved in together and decided to let their other home they would need to take out a landlords' insurance policy for the rental property.

People could in effect unwittingly be paying premiums on a contract that would be made null and void by the fact the property is rented.

James Harrison, chief executive of comparison website Insurancewide.com, told the Times that the reality is if landlords do not take out adequate protection the standard policy will "exclude property from which revenue is earned".

He added: "Even for renting out one room you must have a specific landlord's insurance policy."

Landlord policies do not generally cover contents.

If letting unfurnished then contents cover is not required, as the landlord would need to cover only the basics but if the property is furnished then a comprehensive contract is required.

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