You're Already Covered

Here's a smart report from the UK about Christmas shopping and how you can save yourself from getting ripped off:

But it's no good snapping up bargains if you then fall for other tricks of the trade such as expensive warranties, loans and store cards with hefty interest rates, or useless insurance.

These money-spinners rake in hundreds of millions of pounds for stores, while offering little benefit to consumers.

Sales assistants will push them because they can earn commission on every sale.
Insurance

If you're buying expensive gifts such as jewellery, watches and mobile phones, then you could be offered insurance in case they are lost or stolen.

Research by insurer Esure shows that a quarter of shoppers would buy these policies. But you can cover them all through your home insurance policy under personal possessions, whether they go missing at home or when you are out.

This will add a bit to the cost of your home insurance, but will be much better value than buying stand-alone cover.