'The cost keeps rising'

Since Jenny Rushforth moved into the Maida Vale mansion flat she shares with her boyfriend three years ago, household insurance has risen by almost £100.

Miss Rushforth, a 24-year-old public relations executive, said she feels safe in her flat yet their premium is now £387. Twelve months ago, a similar policy cost £345. In 2000, it was under £300. The couple do not yet have a quote for next year.

Miss Rushforth said: "Before the insurance companies would even give us cover they insisted we install five specific mortise locks on our internal doors. Since then, even though we shop around, the basic cost of contents insurance keeps on rising every year. But the policies don't change and we're certainly not getting better value for money."

Because of the expensive clothes and audiovisual equipment she and her boyfriend own, going without cover is not an option.

"If you decided not to have it you would probably get into trouble," she said. "We just can't afford that risk."