Don’t party too hard, homeowners warned

Homeowners have been advised of the potential damage they could do to their homes if they are not careful during the 2006 "party season".

As Christmas and new year approach, Barclays Insurance has warned customers that the period immediately after last year’s festivities saw a 41 per cent increase in accidental damage notifications compared to the previous month.

January 2005 saw the second highest number of accidental damage claims in that year behind September.

The amounts claimed for accidental damages throughout 2005 reached an average of £4,293.

Barclays points out that valuable items such as TVs and computers and breakables such as mirrors are generally covered under home insurance policies, but specific cover may need to be taken out to insure against occurrences such as spillages or broken kitchenware.

Mark Till, marketing director for Barclays Insurance, said: "We all know how quickly drinks get spilled or glasswork gets broken – and the cost of replacing items or cleaning carpets or furniture can quickly add up.

"It is therefore important to add accidental damage cover to your home insurance policy – to give you peace of mind for all those parties to come."