Don’t let Easter DIY or car breakdown ruin your Bank Holiday

With Easter marking the advent of the DIY season for some – or an escape on holiday for others, moneysupermarket.com is urging people to be prepared for accidents and eventualities.

The price comparison website urges all those hoping to make the most of time-off to make sure they are covered for the activities they’re about to undertake.

Richard Mason, director of insurance at moneysupermarket.com said: “With lighter nights and a cluster of bank holidays approaching, people’s thoughts invariably turn to home improvements. While most projects are straightforward, over 200,000 people are taken to hospital each year after DIY disasters. Accidents can also occur in the house, particularly when people attempt more complicated jobs, such as building work, plumbing or electrics, without any experience.

“Check whether you have accidental damage cover on your home insurance, and if not, add it before you attempt DIY especially if the impact of your home improvement disasters affects others. A badly installed bathroom could be even more disastrous if it causes a leak that allows water into your neighbour’s house, as you could be left with a bigger and more costly problem on your hands. However, always think carefully before making a claim, especially if the damage is only minor. The excess payment and the potential increase in premiums could mean it is better to pay for smaller repairs yourself.

“Bigger DIY improvements like a new kitchen or bathroom is likely to add to the value of your property, so you should contact your insurer to increase your cover accordingly. In fact, check the details of your home insurance policy on an annual basis as the re-build value could also increase if improvements have been made.”

Motorists should also take precautions this bank holiday and make sure they have comprehensive car breakdown cover for any road trips they may make. In fact, cover can start from as little as £31 a year.

Richard added: “Bank holidays are always a busy time on Britain’s roads resulting in an increase in car breakdowns, but motorists can avoid wasting precious holiday time on the hard shoulder by ensuring they have adequate breakdown insurance. It is important to choose not only the most competitive policy, but one which is comprehensive enough for your needs.

“UK breakdown policies do not automatically provide cover for driving abroad so those planning to cross the channel or venture further afield should check they have the appropriate cover. After all, the last thing you want is to stump up an exorbitant call-out fee or organise your own recovery service while stranded abroad.”

Breakdown cover checklist

moneysupermarket.com says drivers should consider asking these key questions when evaluating the level of breakdown cover on offer:

1. What is the average callout time?
2. Will you try and fix my car at the roadside first?
3. Will you take me home or to the destination I was heading before breaking down?
4. Does this policy include home starts?
5. Is there a limit on the number of times I can call each year?
6. Do you offer a no claims discount?
7. Can I cover additional cars?
8. Can I cover my partner and/or family members?
9. Will I be covered if I am the passenger in another car?
10. Will I be charged additional fees for any of the services provided?
11. Am I covered for driving abroad?