Insurance 'vital before carrying out DIY'
Published On 7 April 2007
People planning to carry out some home improvements should make sure they have adequate levels of home insurance, an industry expert has warned.Easter is traditionally a popular time for homeowners to carry out some DIY on their property, as the long weekend gives them the time to improve their abode in time for summer.
However, Churchill is warning people to ensure they have checked their insurance details before they reach for the hammer.
According to the insurer, accidents caused by over-enthusiastic home improvers cost an average of £2.6 billion every year.
One in five people admits to damaging their home while trying to improve it and ten per cent of people say that they have had a home accident twice in the last 12 months.
With the average cost of a DIY accident exceeding £500, Churchill urged people to check their insurance is up to date before they start work.
"Householders who have elected to include accidental damage cover under their home insurance policy have the added reassurance that they are covered if a DIY accident causes damage in the home," explained Martin Scott, the head of Churchill Home Insurance.
A recent report from Alliance & Leicester indicated the well-executed home improvements could add significantly to the value of a property.
