Consumers have been warned not to assume that items such as mobile phones, hearing aids and laptops are fully covered by all risks insurance policies.

The National Consumer Agency said that items taken outside the home were typically excluded from policies even when homeowners were paying higher premiums.

A survey by the agency found that five of nine insurers in the Irish market would not pay for laptops and phones stolen or damaged away from the insured property.

They were Aviva, Chartis Direct, FBD, Getcover.com and RSA.

The agency said that consumers seeking to have mobile phones or laptops covered away from the home would have to list them on their policies as specified items and that this would come at an extra cost.

"You might consider doing this if you have a smart phone or a laptop that would be expensive to replace, however, you need to bear in mind that the excess, which can range from €125 up to €500, might be more than the value of the item," National Consumer Agency chief executive Ann Fitzgerald said.

"It's also worth considering the impact that making a claim for a relatively low value item will have on your no claims bonus and future premium. You may be better off looking at other options such as specific phone or laptop insurance."

The survey also noted that households which had recently made claims for flood damage were struggling to get a quote from most insurers, with all nine insurers refusing to offer a quote.

When flood cover was excluded only three – Zurich, Getcover and Allianz - would provide a quote for a house in Co Limerick that had been flooded in 2009.

Ms Fitzgerald said people struggling to get a quote should approach a specialist broker.