Claims on landlord insurance has leapt by 42% in the last year, according to a specialist insurance company.

Carolyn Majda, a manager at Terri Scheer Insurance, said claims handled by the company had rocketed in the last year, and that the average total claim value had increased by 20%. She urged landlords, particularly those with fully- or  partly-furnished properties, to ensure they are adequately covered.

Items typically claimed for on landlord insurance include fridges, washing machines, dishwashers, beds and mattresses, plasma televisions and framed pictures. Some more unusual items also include split-system airconditioners, lawnmowers, taps, door handles and even a kitchen sink.