Bonfire Night pet fright

Pet owners are being urged to double-check their insurance policies ahead of bonfire night celebrations in case scared pets cause damage to their own property, or that of other people.

The warning comes from independent financial research company Defaqto. Mike Powell, Principal Consultant - General Insurance at Defaqto, said: "At this time of year pet owners usually choose to keep their pets inside to keep them safe from the noises caused by fireworks. These sounds can still be heard inside, and frightened pets could cause damage to property."

Powell suggests owners double-check their home and pet insurance policies to ensure that they would be covered in the event of damage to their contents, or those of friends or family.

He adds: "Our research shows that less than 1% of home contents insurance policies will provide cover for damage caused by pets. But for cat and dog pet insurance, 26% of policies provide cover ranging from £100 to £1,000, against damage caused by the pet to third party property."

More information on home and pet insurance can be found at defaqto.com