Home insurance claims set to rocket

Home insurance claims are set to rocket after Bonfire Night, experts have warned.

Damage caused by wayward fireworks crashing into houses and outbuildings leads to an eight per cent increase, according to research carried out by Churchill Home Insurance.

The figures also reveal that although 21 per cent of people are preparing to celebrate firework night at their own homes or with family and friends, many are unaware of the Firework Code which gives advice on how to handle fireworks safely.

The average cost of the damage per household estimated at £307 could be a lot higher if insurance cover does not include public liability, according to Debra Williams of confused.com, a financial comparison website.

She said: "If someone were to be injured as a result of your celebrations, you could be left exposed to huge financial costs."

Most cover also does not include damage caused by upset pets spooked by the noise of the celebrations.

Figures revealed by insurance giant Halifax shows that 36 per cent of homeowners do not have home insurance cover and 22 per cent are without contents cover.

24/10/2007 12:21:45