Big bill for boys being boys

Parents of boys are nearly two thirds more likely to make a claim on their home insurance for accidental damage than parents of girls.

Experts at NFU Mutual analysed claims data from the past twelve months, revealing that boys were responsible for 61 per cent of the damage caused by children, with girls accountable for the remaining 39 per cent of claims.

Not only are boys more likely to cause mischief, when they do it’s over a third more costly. The average amount of a claim relating to damage by a boy was identified as £1076, compared to £790 for a girl.

The research goes on to reveal that kids are now the second most common cause of accidental damage in the home and are responsible for the same number of claims as spilt drinks, paint stains and fire damage combined.

And pets are no longer in the doghouse – with children seven times more likely to be the cause of accidental damage than cats and dogs.

Commenting on the findings, Victoria Walton, Home Insurance Specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “The old saying that boys will be boys certainly rings true when it comes to accidents around the home. However parents should bear in mind that these are not just childish scrapes, but rather significant and expensive claims.

“Our data shows that all sorts of unexpected accidents can happen – from cows trampling through gardens to children flushing mobile phones down the toilet - which is why it is important to make sure that your home and its contents are protected by a fully comprehensive insurance policy.”

Top ten causes of accidental damage claims:

1. Water damage (not weather)

2. Damage by children

3. Damage by stones

4. Wine stains

5. Coffee stains

6. Paint stains

7. Fire damage

8. Tea stains

9. Power Surge

10. Accident with an Iron