According to research by uSwitch.com, nearly 4 million UK households are not protected by home contents insurance.

The research shows that almost 20% of UK households do not have adequate home contents insurance. Almost half of these blame the credit crunch, the economic recession as it takes control of finances.

Apparently over 30% of people have either never thought of taking out a home contents policy or don’t think the risk matches the expense.

It has been previously proven that domestic burglaries rise during a recession and recent Home Office crime statistics support this, showing a 4% rise the number of such burglaries.

Insurance expert at uSwitch.com, Mark Monteiro, commented ‘We are fast becoming a nation of contents cover scrappers, as renters and homeowners try to cut back and save money during the current recession.’

He added ‘consumers are running the gauntlet by putting themselves increasingly at risk simply to make a short term saving. It is crucial to remember that the long term financial consequences of being a victim of burglary or suffering damage to your property and possessions will be far more devastating if you are not adequately covered.’

Home contents insurance is not a necessity but as Monteiro says ‘it should be regarded as a necessity’.

There are a number of comparison sites, including uSwitch.com, Gocompare and Confused.com where you can get a home contents insurance quote and easily compare quotes from a  number of providers to get the best deal.