Do-It-Yourself (DIY) accidents hit their peak over the Easter holiday with the average cost of damage around £900. So how can you ensure your home insurance will protect you against DIY risks?
According to research by AXA, Easter is one of the busiest times of the year for DIY and despite the global economic crisis around 48 per cent of homeowners are more likely to spruce up their properties this year compared to previous Easters. Painting and decorating are the tasks that top the list with general maintenance also popular as well as installing new kitchens or bathrooms.
However, the research also shows that around one in five homeowners has suffered an accident attempting a DIY project in the past. Around 40 per cent have spilt paint, 28 per cent have left holes in walls and 23 per cent have broken furniture.
With the average accident costing £900, DIY enthusiasts are urged to check their home insurance policies before they start work on a new task. Nearly half of those planning to undertake a project (43 per cent) will not be covered because they do not have accidental damage protection within their policy.
Consequently it's worth checking your home insurance policy for accidental damage cover - pay attention to the policy limit and look to see what goods are insured. Many policies will only cover computers, TVs and other electronic equipment and may not offer accidental damage for carpet spills, etc.
To cut down the risk of accidental damage turn the electricity and water off at the mains before beginning a task and move furniture out of the way wherever possible. Also make sure you cover or move any additional items that are close by.
If the worst happens, contact your home insurance provider as soon as possible. Keeping receipts of purchases can help speed up a claim and you shouldn't throw away any damaged items as the insurer should have a list of suppliers and tradesmen that can help.
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