• Fishing equipment, cost more per claim to replace than jewellery in 2016

• Carpets pay the biggest price for clumsiness

• The amount of claims for chairs is enough to make you fall off your seat
   

New claims data1 from Churchill Home Insurance reveals the top ten most frequently damaged items in 2016, with the majority of cases costing over £600. The new findings highlight the importance of being covered for any mishaps or clumsy errors that can lead to items being broken or damaged.

The most claimed for item, damaged accidentally in 2016 were ruined carpets. As a nation who enjoys a late night tipple, with around 4.9 million of us confessing to drinking alcohol on more than five days a week3, it is easy to appreciate why carpets are vulnerable to clumsy spillages. The study went on to show that mobile phones were the second most accident-prone possession, accounting for a fifth of the top ten accidental claims in 2016.

Other damaged items claimed for include, other electrical goods such as computers (12 per cent)2 and televisions (11 per cent), both of which often cost over £500 to replace. The table below shows the top ten most common possessions customers accidentally broke in 2016 in order of ranking.

Top 10 most common items damaged in 2016

Source: Churchill Home Insurance 2017
 

Martin Scott, head of Churchill home insurance said: “Accidents are, by definition, unexpected but it is important that customers understand their needs. If they are unsure about what they are covered for on their current policy, they should seek clarification from their insurer. However, when choosing the type of cover needed, it is also important to consider the excess that customers would be willing to pay, in the event of a claim.

“This way if an accident does occur, customers can be reassured that they will not be faced with the full cost of fixing an item or having it replaced.”

The claims data also revealed that jewellery was ranked as the fifth most expensive type of claim. Surprisingly, fishing equipment4 came above jewellery as the fourth most expensive type of  item damaged in 2016.
 

Top five most expensive items per claim in 2016

Source: Churchill Home Insurance 2017
 

Depending on what has actually been damaged, homeowners can end up paying thousands of pounds to replace certain items. Even worse, items that have more of an emotional value can be very easily broken accidentally, especially if they are old and fragile.

In some circumstances, older items that are typically more sentimental can turn out to be the most expensive to replace, as they are either discontinued or require specialist parts that are hard to find. Having the correct cover is important, as insurers may be able to rescue or repair such items.
 

Top tips to protect your possessions

• Always make sure to have a variety of cleaning products just in case of any unfortunate spillages e.g. carpet cleaner to tackle any carpet stains.

• Invest in mesh rod covers for fishing rods. The mesh is not only easy to get on and off a fishing rod; it also provides a cushioned bulk which will protect the rod against any knocks or drops.

• Keep all your fragile items in a safe place to settle your nerves when inviting guests over especially if there are children visiting your home.

• For any wooden surfaces, make sure to place coasters or mats under anything containing liquid to prevent any water stains that might be tough to later remove.

• When it comes to protecting your phone, too many of us place our mobiles in loose pockets of shirts or the back pockets of jeans. Make sure that your phone is either safely secured in a zipped part of your bag or a more secure trouser pocket this way there is less of a chance of it being dropped or sat on.
   

- ENDS -
 

To find out more about being covered for accidental damage and personal 
possessions or upgrading to a home plus policy, please visit the below links:

https://www.churchill.com/home-insurance/options/home-plus-cover

https://www.churchill.com/home-insurance/extras/accidental-damage


Notes to editors

1 Claims data from Churchill Insurance 2016

2 Figures are worked out as a percentage of the volumes collected just for the top ten most common claims

3 Data from the office of national statistics on the subject of adult drinking habits

4 Any sports equipment including fishing equipment will not be covered by Churchill Insurance if the item of equipment is accidentally broken at the time it is being used.

For further information please contact:

Thomas Withington

Direct Line Group

Tel: 01651 831 964

Mob: 07964 141521

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.directlinegroup.com/

 

Claire Foster

Direct Line

[email protected]

0165 183 1672

Antonia Green

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

[email protected]

0207 282 2967
 

Churchill

Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering car, home, travel and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line.

Churchill general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.  

Churchill and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.  

Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0300 200300 or visiting www.churchill.com