Accidental damage claims on the up

The number of people claiming for accidental damage and loss on their home insurance has rocketed in the first quarter of 2009, according to a new study.

Research by Greenbee Home Insurance found that there was a 27 per cent year-on-year increase in accidental damage and loss claims in the first three months of the year, reports Property Talk Live.

The top five accidents included spilling a drink on a laptop, knocking over TVs when moving or decorating, staining carpets, breaking or losing reading glasses and damaging baths or showers by slipping.

It was also found that most accidents in UK homes take place in the kitchen, living room and bathroom, with 27 per cent of people surveyed having suffered a mishap in the kitchen.

Earlier this month, research by Greenbee highlighted that almost a quarter of Brits aged between 18 and 24 are nervous of holding a party at their home as they are worried about accidental damage being caused.