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Lockdown Home Insurance Claims

From flying toys to anti-bac sprays, new data released today by insurer Zurich shows flat screen TVs have been paying the price of lockdown. The insurer has reported a 22% rise in claims for flat screen TVs since lockdown began, with the average cost of damage at £580.

Lockdown Home Insurance Claims

29 September 2020

From flying toys to anti-bac sprays, new data released today by insurer Zurich shows flat screen TVs have been paying the price of lockdown. The insurer has reported a 22% rise in claims for flat screen TVs since lockdown began, with the average cost of damage at £580.

Incidents included a customer whose son accidentally threw his toy hammer at his sister – and while she had a near miss, the TV didn’t, causing £400 worth of damage. Another policyholder suffered £500 of damage when their child tried to help out around the house and decided to deep clean the TV with antibacterial spray, causing discolouration and water damage.

But it is not just the family TV that’s come under attack during lockdown. The Insurer has also seen claims for accidental damage to glass rocket by 57%, with an average replacement cost of £680. One policyholder racked up £1000 worth of damage when her son accidentally threw a stone in the direction of the patio door.

Zurich has also covered a number of claims since lockdown for home electronics including a milk-covered games console and a laptop damaged by a child using it as a trampoline. Another family experienced a different type of blues when a child knocked over a tin of blue paint in the hallway, causing 10m² of damage and costing £445 to replace.

Phil Ost, Head of Personal Lines at Zurich, said: “With schools closed for the majority of children and families spending more time at home, accidents are to be expected. While most people try to look after their belongings and remind their children how to play safely, we all know mishaps can happen. This is why having good home contents insurance and accidental damage cover is so important. Our team is there to help fix or replace the items that matter to us the most.”

In addition, as retailers report a big rise in sales of expensive bikes, home electronics and exercise equipment, we are reminding homeowners to inform us about any new high value items they purchase, above the limits set out in their policy documentation. As our homeowners acquire more Contents they should also regularly review their total sums insured to ensure they have adequate cover and are not underinsured.

Just a quick call to our Private Client Team will ensure the things that matter to you most are covered.

 

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