Along with car insrance, home insurance has become probably the most competitive sector of the insurance business. It's because most homeowners consider home insurance to be a essential aspect of home ownership and a "must have" insurance. So whilst the recession is straining sales of may other forms of insurance, the home insurance market is bouyant.

Homeowners are beginning to notice the numerous home insurance adverts that are peppering the national press and interfering with our viewing enjoyment of The Bill.

Offers abound. Free contents insurance, 50 pounds off, prices fixed for 2 years, two months civer absolutely free and so on. So it is clear, the message is shop around for home insurance and do not automatically renew with your existing insurer - get pickey!

The best deals are on the internet where these days 60 per cent of us shop for our insurance. So go online, surf and get a number of quotations.

And here are some points to consider whilst you're online:- Do not under insure your property or your contents. Ensure you're getting enough cover.

If you end up talking to a salesman, don't be afraid of haggling. As we have said, the home insurance market is a highly competitive so they should have to work hard to win your custom. Then when you think you've found the best quote, ask your existing insurer to beat it. If they don't, switch.

Consider increasing your excess (that's the first part of each claim that you have to pay yourself). Increasing your excess will always reduce your premium. But be happy that you would be able to afford the extra you'd have to pay if you had to claim.

Always buy your buildings and contents insurance from the same insurer. Not only will that be cheaper, but if you had a claim which involved damage to the property and damage to your belongings, you avoid disputes about which insurer pays for what.

Consider paying your annual premium all at once. Most insureres will charge more if you want to pay through monthly payments.

But take care. If you have bought your existing home insurance through your mortgage provider, they may charge you an administration fee to switch your insurance to another company. If they do demand an administration fee, ask your new insurer if they'll pay the fee for you.

In our experience, buying online could save you around 15 per cent. If you aren't convinced, reply to some of the advertisments you'll see in the press and on TV. It's worth it even if it only serves to prove to you how cheap online shopping really is!

Make sure your home is really secure - your insurer will be most appreciative!. If you haven't got them already, fit five-lever mortise locks to the external doors and put locks on the windows. Smoke detectors and a burglar alarms can help reduce your premium.

Also quit smoking - some insurance companies will offer a discount for non-smokers.

If you have problems insuring your property, for example because of a history of flooding or subsidence, use a broker. The broker will know which insureres to approach and which should offer you a good deal. If you are unsure which broker to speak to, check out the web site of the British Insurance Brokers' Association. They offer a database of specialist brokers.