Last year alone, Halifax Home Insurance said it recorded over 32,000 accidental damage claims, many of which were DIY related such as spilling paint or drilling through pipes.
In total the insurer paid out over £11 million for accidental damage, with each claim costing an average of £339.
Last May saw almost £1 million in accidental damage claims, partly due to botched bank holiday home improvement jobs.
According to the Halifax Home Maintenance Monitor house holders were more likely to carry out aesthetic DIY work such as painting and decorating, 86%, and assembling furniture, 77%, than tackle maintenance issues such as clearing gutters, 55%, or repairing fittings and cracks, 63%.
The report also found 5% of home owners have experienced damage to their homes as a result of DIY going awry. Despite this 27% were unaware of what is covered by their policy.
‘May bank holiday is a key time for home owners to dig out their tools and indulge in a spot of DIY. But even with the best intentions things can go wrong from time to time, which is why checking that you have the right level of buildings and contents cover is a small investment which can provide extra peace of mind,’ said Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance.
‘For more specialist jobs involving gas, electrical, plumbing or structural work, it’s essential to call in the experts, otherwise home owners risk invalidating their home insurance policy,’ he added.
Halifax Home Insurance says that preparation is key and owners should make sure they have all the correct tools and equipment for the job before starting to avoid coming unstuck later on.
They are also advised to plan a budget beforehand and stick to it and when choosing a tradesman, ask for references and certificates to demonstrate that they are competent.
People should also contact their insurer if any work is being carried out which may alter the structure or layout of the home such as an extension or garage.
Accidental damage to some parts of the home such as sinks, baths and ceramic hobs is included in many home insurance policies, but it is worth considering purchasing additional accidental damage cover to protect against common DIY mishaps such as spilling paint, drilling through pipes, or putting feet through ceilings.
