Pictured: Dave Williams

Soaring gold prices could leave Shropshire householders out of pocket if they're the victim of a burglary.

Dave Williams, from Henshalls Insurance Brokers, in Newport and Shrewsbury, said the value of gold had increased by 47 per cent in the last year alone - and by as much as 500 per cent in the last ten years.

"This could mean any jewellery stolen in a raid on your home could be worth much more than when you first took out household insurance.

"So you could find you are significantly under-insured which means you'll not only have lost precious items of great sentimental value, but you'll be out of pocket too.

"This is because underwriters will only pay up to the sum insured as specified in your policy and may even reduce your claim due to under-insurance."

And Dave said it wasn't only gold that was affected when it came to an increase in value - silver has increased by over 50 per cent in the last year, and platinum by 25 per cent over the same period.

"Given these increases, it's important that householders review their policies and get a fresh independent professional valuation for any jewellery they may have.

"And although the insurance will cost more if the value has gone up, it's a price worth paying in order to reclaim the true value of your jewellery should the worst happen."

Dave said in order to protect valuable items, householders should consider reviewing their cover every three years to take account of constant changes on the stock market.

"It's all well and good having household insurance and assuming you'll be covered if you are unfortunate enough to be burgled.

"But if your cover is for less than the real value of your possessions you could be sadly disappointed."

For more information about Henshalls, please visit their website here: www.henshalls.com