Without it, you could end up with a hole in your pocket, as well as a stain on your carpet.
Research by Saga found December and January are the most expensive months for accidental damage claims, probably because of the aftermath of festive celebrations.
Unfortunately, most policies don't include accidental damage as standard and, unless you bought the cover as an add-on, you might find your insurer won't pay out.
So for peace of mind that your home and belongings are protected over Christmas and new year, Which? explains what insurance you need and the common exclusions to watch out for.
Festive surge in accidental damage claims
Accidents can and do happen, especially at Christmas. Excited children, family pets and parties can lead to mishaps, from spilled drinks on the sofa to broken tech.
Saga, which provides insurance for the over-50s, analysed its own claims data over a three-year period and found that accidental damage was more likely during the festive season. Christmas Day alone has 35% more accidental damage claims than the monthly average.
Claims are also the most expensive during this time of year. In December, the average accidental damage claim was worth £913, rising to £935 in January. One merry mishap totted up to a whopping £22,231.
Separate research from Aviva, which looked at data across a seven-year period, found 47% of Christmas Day claims were for accidental damage.
Numerous customers reported broken gadgets, with one person claiming for damage after he slipped on a small toy and fell onto the TV. Knocked-over candles are also common, as are damaged cookers and hobs from making Christmas dinner.
Find out more:What damage will home insurance cover?
If you're worried, double-check your existing home insurance. That's because – unfortunately – most policies don't include accidental damage cover as standard.
The latest Which? analysis found that only 30% of buildings policies offer full cover as standard and 29% for contents. In most cases you'll need to buy it as an optional extra and choose to have it added to your existing cover.
It will protect you against sudden, unexpected damage to your home that happens by mistake – everything from Christmas pudding on the carpet to a child knocking over a delicate ornament.
If a guest hurts themselves at your Christmas celebrations, then liability cover is usually included in standard insurance policies to cover medical costs and any legal expenses. However, you won't be covered for injuries to yourself or other household members.
Think twice before you make a smaller-value claim, however. Minor breaks or damage such as smashed glasses or scuffed floors may not be worth claiming for, depending on the value of the item compared to your excess. Claiming could also affect your no-claims discount when you come to renew your policy.
Find out more:Not everything may be covered
Some accidental damage may not be included, even if you've taken out the appropriate insurance. So make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully. Here are some of the most common mishaps you won't be able to make a claim for:
Wear and tear:Pets:DIY: Intentional damage:Gadgets: Power outage:Support our campaign to end the insurance rip-off
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source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/christmas-does-you-home-insurance-cover-accidental-damage-abjNM8B7Rwn5