Watch your windows in the World Cup

With the England footballers just days away from action, homeowners are being warned to watch out for wannabe Wayne Rooneys in their own back yard.

During the 2006 World Cup Aviva, the UK's largest insurer saw a 25% increase in broken glass claims compared to a normal summer with rogue balls, a little wide of the post, being the main cause.

But it's not just budding footballers whose shooting skills leave a little to be desired - cricket fans, during last year's Ashes series, contributed to a 30% increase in broken glass claims with balls hitting windows rather than wickets.

The average cost of those claims was around £600 with greenhouses, conservatories, sheds and house windows the most common mistaken targets and children the main culprits.

Rob Townend, director of property claims at Aviva, said: "It's great that famous sporting events inspire youngsters - and possibly some over enthusiastic parents - to get out in the garden and knock a few balls around, but it might be as well to direct those games of footie, tennis or cricket away from your home and towards the end of the garden or perhaps a local park.

"If flying balls do end up in an unfortunate smash you are covered with Aviva's home insurance, but in the interests of good parent and child relations over the summer holidays it might be as well to avoid a mishap in the first place."

Aviva's household buildings insurance covers accidental damage to windows in your home, shed and conservatory and also any fixed glass or sanitary fittings (like basins, loos and baths) as standard.

But if you're worried about over-exuberant sporting celebrations leading to other incidents around the home, you may want to take out additional accidental damage cover for your contents which costs from around £30 a year and will provide peace of mind in the event of spilt beer on the carpet or ornaments or furniture being accidentally broken or damaged.

Don't let the fear of accidental damage to your home leave you harassed at half-time, follow these tips for a damage-free home this summer.

Involve multiple players, the more hands, the more likely that ball won't escape

Play in your local park a safe distance away from any houses and windows

Try substituting the usual ball for a softer version such as a rubber or home made one

Invest in some cheap throws and wax tablecloths to put over furniture, so if something does get spilt it's less likely to damage valuable furnishings.

Keep valuable possessions out of reach from children (or even adults!) especially if you have lots of friends around.

For more information on home insurance direct from Aviva go to aviva.co.uk/home.