We saved £6,000 on holiday by swapping houses with strangers.

The main home-swap listings forums screen their members and invite them to review each other.

But the Association of British Insurers recommends that hosts check that their home and contents insurance covers the cover they need before hosting guests.

He says it’s worth checking your travel insurance to make sure it covers accidental damage before staying in someone else’s home.

Petra Novak, who uses home-swapping site Kindred, says the platform’s own damage protection policy covers her every time something goes wrong in her London flat.

The 34-year-old, who uses the platform while working away in Europe, says she has saved £18,000-£20,000 on home exchanges.

At first she was nervous about swapping houses with strangers, but she says she’s never had a bad experience.

But, for added peace of mind, she likes to look at prospective guests’ social media profiles, saying a personal touch helps build trust before an exchange.

“I personally love when someone presents their booking request with a lovely letter of introduction telling me about themselves and why they are visiting London.”