Halifax Home Insurance highlights parents' need for accidental cover

Parents have been urged to make sure their home insurance policies are sufficiently comprehensive following a report which shows a fifth of all claims for accidental damage are made in July and August - when children are on their summer holidays.

A survey by Halifax Home Insurance found 23 per cent more claims are made for accidents around the home during the summer months, ranging from broken windows to carpet spillages.

As a result, Vicky Emmott, senior manager of underwriting at Halifax Home Insurance, has advised parents to opt for an insurance policy which affords cover for accidental damage to minimise the impact of child-induced mishaps.

"It’s particularly important at this time of year for parents to check their home insurance policies and make sure they are covered for accidental damage to the home and contents," said Ms Emmott.

"This summer’s heavy rains show little sign of abating, meaning children may well find themselves cooped up indoors for hours on end when they want to be outside playing, so they may get restless and find mischievous ways to amuse themselves."

The study shows that Glasgow homes are most likely to be hit by accidental damage.