British homeowners are failing to insure their second homes and, subsequently, opening themselves up to unnecessary risks, it has been claimed.

New research has indicated that one in ten Brits with a second home have not taken out a corresponding home insurance policy but the Association of British Insurers said there are many insurers that specialise in such cover.

Malcolm Tarling, a representative of the ABI, explained: "Obviously there is the issue of the value of your homes and security. It depends very much on whether the property is left unoccupied for a long time.

"There are specialist providers out there who do nothing but insure second homes, as well as a lot of the mainstream insurers, so cover certainly should be available, obviously at a price that would reflect the risk."

He also urged homeowners to minimise the risk posed to their second home by ensuring that they do not leave items in the property other than those they need, advising them to think about how the property can be managed in their absence.

A study by insurance comparison service Gocompare.com recently revealed that a large number of people buying their home insurance from their mortgage lender felt that they were pressured into doing so.

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