Schools out and kids are about, so accidents will happen

It’s that time of the year that kids have been waiting for and parents dread – school summer holidays.

According to Halifax Home Insurance, a fifth of all claims for accidental damage happen in July and August, when schools are out and the kids are about, getting into scrapes and mischief.

Halifax Home Insurance claims data shows a 23% increase in summer for claims for accidents around the home, ranging from broken windows to spillages on carpets.

Halifax is urging parents to remember to check their home insurance policies cover them for accidental damage.

Tips to amuse kids this summer

Organise a treasure hunt by hiding sweets and toys around the garden, then provide written clues to help children find them

Help kids make puppets out of old clothing, gloves, socks and buttons, then they can stage their own puppet show from behind the back of the sofa

Tire kids out with a trip to the local park or play area. They will be less likely to tear around the house if they have already used up all their energy!

Hold a picnic at a local beauty spot with other parents and kids

Bake fairy cakes with the kids and let them decorate them

Check out www.daycaretrust.org.uk for information on play groups and children's clubs in your local area.

Halifax Home Insurance offers unlimited accidental damage cover as an additional optional cover under its buildings and contents policy. New customers who buy buildings and contents insurance together can take advantage of Halifax Home Insurance's new 'Beat and Freeze' offer, which aims to beat home insurance renewal quotes and then freeze premiums for three years.

Senior manager of Underwriting at Halifax Home Insurance, Vicky Emmott said: "It's particularly important at this time of year for parents to check their home insurance policies and make sure they are covered for accidental damage to the home and contents. This summer's heavy rains show little sign of abating, meaning children may well find themselves cooped up indoors for hours on end when they want to be outside playing, so they may get restless and find mischievous ways to amuse themselves."