Home contents insurance claims rise on Halloween, says Axa

Wednesday, 21 Oct 2009, 4:03pm
Home contents insurance claims rise on Halloween, says Axa

New research by Axa has revealed that the week between Halloween and Bonfire Night sees the highest number of home insurance malicious damage claims for the whole year.

The week of Halloween and Bonfire Night is the worst of the year for the number of home contents insurance claims which are made against malicious damage to property, according to research.

Carried out by home contents insurance company Axa, the report revealed that October 31st sees 270 per cent more claims being sent in compared to an average day, while there is a 350 per cent rise on November 5th.

The firm said that the past few years has seen claims after trick-or-treaters broke windows, damaged paintwork with eggs and pushed over walls and Bonfire Night revellers even placed fireworks through letterboxes.

It is advising parents and police to keep an eye out for malicious behaviour which could end up costing home contents insurance customers a hefty price.

Nick Kidd, head of household insurance at Axa, said: "We don't want to ruin anybody's fun on Halloween or Bonfire Night but people do need to be vigilant.

"If property is damaged, customers should check their policy wordings as most home insurance policies will have a 'home assistance' package, where tradesmen can visit the property within hours to make it secure."

While many Brits will be getting an extra hour in bed next Sunday (October 25th), Halifax Home Insurance recently warned that burglars will be welcoming the longer nights.

The clocks go back at 02:00 BST this weekend and research by the firm has shown that it marks the period of increased home contents insurance claims linked to theft, with 8.5 per cent more people receiving payouts in the winter months.

Written by Tobias Bluth
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