Brits spend over £200 to replace damaged contents

Have you ever spilt red wine on the carpet, knocked over a vase or watched in amazement as a toddler decides to draw on your sofa with a biro? With Britons spending an average of £3,299 on decorating and home improvements in the last three years, the value of our home contents is a significant investment.

Research conducted on behalf of Direct Line has found that 30 per cent of Britons have spilt red wine on the carpet, while more than a third have damaged ornaments such as vases and photo-frames. Home handymen have also caused their share of damage with more than a quarter of people having spilt paint on the carpet, while 40 per cent of respondents said they had damaged furniture as the result of an accident.

With more than a quarter of Britons spending over £200 to repair or replace their most recently damaged item, accidental damage cover on your contents gives you valuable peace of mind.

Andrew Lowe, Head of Home Insurance at Direct Line, says, "We all accidentally damage contents in our homes at some point. While these items are often small objects such as crockery or ornaments, the cost and inconvenience of damaging something with sentimental and material value is extremely frustrating.

"Direct Line home insurance is now offering all new customers free accidental damage cover on their contents insurance. Importantly, as this offer applies to contents insurance, it is available to both home-owners and tenants. When it comes time to renew your policy in 12 months time, customers can also benefit from a 10 per cent discount if they are claim free."

Accidental Damage covers you for things such as broken ornaments, spilt wine or paint on the carpet and damaged furniture.

Direct Line's latest offer to customers includes the following added features:

FREE accidental damage cover on contents for the first year
Up to 25 per cent discount for customers who purchase their policy online
Alternative accommodation included as standard on home insurance > policies if your home is made uninhabitable by an insured peril
10 per cent No Claims Discount at renewal if you are claim free during your first year

For further details on Direct Line Home Insurance, visit directline.com