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Britons collectively pay nearly £24billion a year in premiums for home contents insurance - an average of £132 each. But there are around half a million claims for burglary a year, with payouts averaging £1,100.

Follow these tips to help prevent yourself becoming another burglary statistic - and make a successful claim if you are unlucky and do have a break-in.

Security is the key

1. Outside doors should have deadlocks which at least conform to BS3621 (British Standard mark). These locks can only be opened by key - not via a plastic card or a broken door pane.

2. Most burglaries are through windows. Key-operated locks should be fitted to all accessible windows - those on the ground floor, near drainpipes or flat roofs.

3. Check the identity of all callers. Before opening your door fully, ask to see ID if they claim to be officials. Telephone their office if in any doubt.

4. A burglar can be in and out of your home in two minutes. Always shut and lock all windows.

5. Don't make it obvious that you are away on holiday. Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your home, taking in any packages and removing mail from your letterbox.

6. List valuable items with serial numbers and a short description. Take photographs of jewellery. Get a property marking kit - use your postcode and the number of your house.

7. If you are considering installing an alarm get advice from insurers. Many insist that the installation is carried out by companies registered with the National Approval Council for Security Systems (Nacoss).

8. Get involved in a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Local police will give details. As well as reducing your chances of being burgled, many insurers will give discounts for these security measures. Typically, qualifying locks, being a member of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or having a Nacoss burglar alarm will each reduce premiums by five per cent.

The form on claims

1. Many insurers have 24-hour emergency helplines - use them to report a burglary, ask about emergency repairs and order a claim form.

2. If the break-in has damaged a door or window to gain access, you will normally need to claim under buildings as well as contents insurance.

3. Often insurers will be able to give you the name of a tradesman to use; many will nominate a tradesman and pay them direct.

4. Even if your insurer doesn't offer this emergency help, still have the work carried out. Get a receipt and preferably use someone from a recognised trade body.

5. Report the burglary to the police. This doesnÂ’t mean calling 999 - unless the burglar is still in the house, you should just call your local police station.

6. Complete the insurance claim form as soon as possible and send it back with estimates for repair and replacement.

7. If you have lost credit or other plastic cards or chequebooks, tell the issuing companies without delay.