Insurance against children recommended
Insurance against children recommended
Thursday, 20, Dec 2007 11:04
Toddlers have caused over £122 million worth of damage to their parents' homes over the last year, according to new research from Halifax Home Insurance.
According to the organisation food, juice and paint spilled on floors and carpets ranks as the most common cause of damage, with up to 68 per cent of parents experiencing the problem.
Children expressing their artistic inclinations with crayons on walls and paintwork are the second most common cause of damage according to the research, taking its toll in 65 per cent of homes.
"Toddlers are naturally inquisitive, full of energy and eager to explore the world around them, keeping up with them can be a full time job in itself," said Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance.
"Raising children is expensive enough without having to find additional money to replace items that small children have accidentally damaged."
Damage to homes by children is regarded as accidental by insurers, with the average claim coming to around £529.68.
This can prove to be a serious financial outlay for parents without the right sort of insurance cover.
According to Halifax, male toddlers are responsible for 20 per cent more incidents of accidental damage than girls.
Other common incidents include damage to ornaments and furniture, both reported by 26 per cent of parents, as well as broken windows which were experienced by a further three per cent.
"Parents can protect themselves from the costs of home repairs and damaged contents by ensuring their home insurance includes accidental damage cover," concluded Mr Foulds.