11/05/2005

Figures released today from Churchill Home Insurance declared that accidents in the home rise by 17 per cent on Friday 13th.

A study of all 2004 home insurance accident claims found that there was a significant increase on the two Fridays that fell on the 13th  - suggesting that Brits should take extra care around the house this Friday.

Churchill's Home Insurance spokesman, Greg Dawson said, "The increase could be down to homeowners over-compensating as it is a traditionally superstitious date.  However, this can lead to accidents in themselves."

The spooky figures show that the majority of claims (46 per cent) were related to breakages.  These range from the lady who reversed her car over a laptop, to a window being smashed by a stone thrown up by the lawnmower.  There was also the incident of a television and DVD player falling off their wall brackets.

Churchill’s breakdown of home claims on Friday 13th:

• Water - leaking and blocked water pipes accounted for 18 per cent.
• Lost - many items go missing on Friday 13th, with 16 per cent of claims for lost possessions, including jewellery, cameras and bags.
• Spillages - 14 per cent of claims were blamed on spilt drinks/paint/household liquids. 
• Other – 6%

Greg Dawson said, "These type of accidents would be covered under our Accidental Damage cover – an addition to the standard home insurance policy."

Churchill's data was taken from over 10,000 of its own home claims for 2004.

The Friday 13th claim figure rise was generated by comparing to an average daily claims figure for 2004.

For more information please contact:

Greg Dawson
Churchill Insurance
020 8285 3277
pressoffice@churchill.com

Churchill Insurance Company Limited. Calls may be recorded. Conditions apply.