AXA highlights dangers of an “over-emulsional” Easter Break

AXA reveals DIY accidents will peak on Saturday morning with paint spillages topping the list of potential mishaps and the average cost of damage around £900.

Easter Saturday morning (11th April) could see a flood of people checking their insurance policies or heading for A&E. Research by AXA shows that Saturday mid-morning could see the peak of DIY this weekend with a quarter (23%) of the estimated 17 million Easter DIYers planning to open their toolboxes on Saturday morning.

Easter is traditionally one of the busiest DIY periods of the year, and despite the recession this still seems to be the case - in fact 48% of people say they are more likely to do DIY this year than in the past few years.

Painting and decorating tops the list of DIY jobs with over half (51%) planning to do this followed by general maintenance around the home (38%). And one in ten brave DIYers are planning on fitting a new kitchen or bathroom.

But be warned, nearly one in five has had an accident doing-it-themselves in the past. Over 40% of those who've had a mishap have spilt paint, 28% have created ‘accidental' holes in walls and ceilings and 23% have broken furniture. Nearly one in five (19%) have caused water damage and 14% have caused a fire.

Injuries include cut fingers, sprained ankles and electric shock - the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents estimate around 200,000 people per year are injured in DIY accidents.

The average accident will cost around £900 in damages but some unlucky DIYers have seen accidents costing more than £10,000. AXA warns that nearly half (43%) of people won't be covered on their home insurance if the worst does happen as they don't have accidental damage protection on their policy.

For those who are avoiding the DIY this weekend, one in five are put off by the expense, one in ten because they hate doing it and five per cent think it's just too dangerous.

One in five don't do it simply because they're not very good at it. However, over half of men think they're good at DIY (53%) whereas only 40% of women rate their DIY skills. Regionally, it's most popular in Northern Ireland and the South East.

And while DIY is popular, twice as many people would actually prefer to be occupied with that other Great British pastime, gardening, than doing the DIY.

Nick Kidd, Head of Household at AXA says: "We're a nation of enthusiastic DIYers but people need to be careful. As well as all the other preparation that's essential for a good DIY job, it's worth checking out whether you've got suitable insurance in place."

AXA's insurance tips for successful DIY

Cut down the risk of accidental damage from water and fire by turning off the electrics and water at the mains.

Move furniture out of the way wherever possible and cover/protect items that can't be moved.

Check you have accidental damage cover on your insurance before you start.

If the worst happens, phone your insurer as soon as possible so they can help you to quickly rectify the situation.

Check with your insurer before throwing away damaged items as they will have a list of suppliers and tradesmen in your area that can help.

Receipts of pricey purchases and photos of the damage greatly help in speeding up a claim.