Home insurance accidental damage cover needed for beauty blunders

The recession is leading to a growth in DIY home beauty treatments to save money, a move that means home insurance accidental damage cover really is needed for the rising number of beauty blunders.

According to research by Sheilas Wheels home insurance, nearly a third of Brits are now spending more money and time on personal grooming and beauty treatments at home.

Nearly a quarter of those questioned spend over 3 hours a week pampering themselves at home.

Visits to the professional salons or beautucians are not as popular.

But, all this DIY home beauty is having an impact on homes and home furnishings, as beauty products or gadgets cause damage.

Jacky Brown at Sheilas’ Wheels home insurance, said ‘Dyes, lotions and cosmetics can stain and many hair styling gadgets can reach extremely high temperatures and may cause considerable damage if left on accidentally.’

She added ‘That’s why having accidental damage cover added onto your home insurance can be invaluable – as beauty blunders become more commonplace.’

It is estimated that £900 million worth of damage in UK homes last year was caused by beauty products and gadgets.

Some 28% of those questioned for the research admitted they had incurred some damage from this DIY beauty activity. Top dangers include

• Nail varnish
• Hair dye
• Hair straighteners
• Mascara
• Foundation

and over 50% of those questioned have had beds or bed linen ruined by fake tan.

There’s also a considerable amount of damage caused by house guests. Worryingly though 20% of them don’t admit to the damage caused!

When taking out home insurance, in addition to buildings and contents insurance most insurers offer accidental damage insurance for a small extra fee.

You need to check your specific policy to understand what extra cover you need though. Some policies automatically include some accidental damage protection for selected items, TV and games consoles for example.