Bonfire night potential nightmare for uninsured homes

With bonfire night fast approaching homeowners are reminded to check their insurance for several possible scenarios.

Apart from the most obvious danger of bonfires and fireworks, pets are also a liability during the festive period as loud bangs can scare animals, causing them to act erratically, and potentially damage furniture in the house.

Mike Powell, principal consultant of general insurance at Defaqto, said: "Our research shows that less than one per cent of home contents insurance policies will provide cover for damage caused by pets.

"But for cat and dog pet insurance, 26 per cent of policies provide cover ranging from £100 to £1,000, against damage caused by the pet to third party property."

An ideal solution would be to ensure a contents insurance policy covers such eventuality as damage caused by pets.

November 02^nd 2008

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