Easter DIY disasters cause spike in insurance claims

DIY disasters will cause a spike in home insurance claims over the Easter weekend, AXA warned yesterday.

The home insurance provider said DIY accidents will peak on Saturday morning, with spilled paint as the prime suspect.

Paint spillages in past years have accounted for 40% of Easter accidents.

Other Easter mishaps include accidental holes in walls and ceilings (28%), broken furniture (23%), and water damage (19%).

Worryingly, 14% of claimants have caused a fire.

One in five of those taking out the toolbox this weekend will have an accident, AXA said, and claims will cost insurers an average of £900 each, with some accidents costing as much as £10,000.

Furthermore, a number of DIYers will end up nursing injuries in hospital.

Nick Kidd, AXA head of home insurance, said: “We’re a nation of enthusiastic DIYers but people need to be careful.

“As well as all the other preparation that’s essential for a good DIY job, it’s worth checking out whether you’ve got suitable insurance in place.”

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