Insurance News Archive

Property damage 'increases during celebratory period'

Property owners are being warned about potential damage to buildings over the next week.

Data from Norwich Union has shown that damage to properties increases by 150 per cent on October 31st, when compared to figures for a normal day.

According to the firm, the average cost of damage equates to around £500.

In addition, it claims that Bonfire Night sees an increase in burglaries of 27 per cent and November 5th ranks only behind Halloween as the worst day for vandalism to property, an increase on average of 50 per cent.

Paul Redington, claims manager at Norwich Union, said the two days are now "associated with mindless damage" to property.

He added: "Obviously home insurance is there to provide cover in the event of a claim, but clearly the more we can all do to avoid the trauma and hassle in the first place, the better."

The Health and Safety Executive recently issued a warning to landlords to ensure that gas safety regulations are adhered to, adding it would "not hesitate" to enforce legal action.

29 Oct 2008