Are you covered?

Everyday life has its problems, and accidents can happen. Your home may be burgled, your car may be damaged, or you or your partner may suffer a serious injury or illness.

But your rent or mortgage still have to be paid, and loan commitments carry on regardless. And if things do get tough, the last thing you'll need is a growing pile of money problems.

Of course, it may not happen, and only you can decide whether you're willing or able to take the risk. State benefits may help but most don't start immediately and usually only last for a fixed period of time. You may have enough savings to cover you. But if not, insurance may help.

There are lots of different types of insurance available and it can be confusing. We can't tell you what to buy or where to buy it from, but this guide will help you think about your needs and ask the right questions.

Step 1: Take stock

Find out what insurance cover you already have. You may have taken it out yourself or you may be covered through policies taken out by your employer, as part of your benefits package.

Check the policy summary or your policy document to find out exactly what you're covered for and what you're not.

Think about how far your savings might stretch if things went wrong.

Step 2: Take action

Once you've taken stock, you may decide you need to take action. This section gives you tips on how to shop around for insurance, what to look out for and some questions to ask.