HOME INSURANCE, Banking. How long do I need to keep old documents?

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Clearing out my house as I am moving, and I am going throw all these documents, home insurance bank statements, etc.

Are there any legal requirements for private people (not businesses) to keep hold of old buildings insurance, and contents insurance documents, and bank statements?

No,its up to you when you destroy them. I personally destroy insurance details one the cover has expired. My bank statements I destroy them when I get them,only because the less paperwork hanging around the house the better,and because I work for the bank I can check my account everyday so I would spot any unusual activity straight away. You should keep b/statements for 6mths incase you want to apply for a new mortgage etc so you have proof of income etc.

Hi, thanks for asking, so that is really the only reason to keep them?

How do I dispose of them safely, I mean I dont have a shredder, and wont really start a bonfire. Could anybody actually use them for something?

sorry, thanks for answering ...

Yeh,that is only the real reason,so they can marry up wage slips. I shred mine or take them into work and put in confidential waste. A cheap shredder only cost £5-£10 money well spent if it keeps you safe. They can get so much from such little info found in your bin,they can apply for c/cards online over the phone etc. Its scary what they do. One lady I know just threw b/statements then couldnt understand why big chqs were being taken out of her account. They had got her bank details off the statements made mock chqs and off they went spending.

hope Iv been ome help x

Thank you, you have been very helpful. I shall get a shredder and get all those statements sorted.