Returning from a shopping trip can often bring extremes of emotion; from jubilation at finding a bargain to disappointment because there was nothing in your size. One emotion you might not account for, however, is the despair or anger you might feel if you discover that your purchases have been lost or damaged in transit from the shops to your home.

One common cause of people losing their belongings between the shops and home is through crime. After a busy day at the shops, you could return to your car with arms full of bags and your head full of the day's events - possibly making you a prime target for criminals. As you put everything away, it is easy to forget to hide valuables from view or lock your car boot securely thus leaving you even more exposed to crime. Although vehicle crime has dropped by 66% since it peaked in 1995, there were still almost 1.5 million vehicle related thefts reported in 2007-8.

You can protect yourself from car crime by being vigilant about locking the car whenever possible. The boot should remain locked at all times - even whilst you are driving - to ensure that your belongings are safe. Unfortunately, it is all too easy for an opportunist thief to make the most of just a few moments of inattention.

Accidents can also happen to fragile items of homeware. You might have just bought a vase or mirror, for example, which could get damaged between purchase and returning home. Whilst you can protect delicate items with bubble wrap and sturdy cardboard boxes, or move them as carefully as possible - there is still the possibility of fragile items getting broken by mistake.

Quality home and contents insurance will often provide financial protection in case your domestic purchases are lost or damaged in transit. Insurance providers will usually only cover the journey period from the shops to your home, however they may pay up to £350 for any one valid claim.

Do be careful about securing your items, as a claim may not be valid if the goods are stolen from an unattended car, unless the theft occurs from a locked boot or glove compartment. Your insurance provider may also want to see proof of a forcible or violent entry into a locked vehicle, as well as any documentation from official sources to support your claim.

So even though your heart might sink at the site of an empty boot or damaged goods - at least the security and peace of mind from home insurance might lift your spirits a little.