Halifax insurance warns on DIY work

According to a study by Halifax insurance, a claim is made every nine minutes over Easter as a result of DIY work.

In spite of this, thousands of Britons are not adequately covered as many home insurance policies only offer DIY cover as an optional extra.

Commenting on the situation, Simon Stevens, deputy chief executive at Halifax General Insurance, said: "DIY disasters are something that most of us have fallen victim to at one time or another. The vast majority of DIY mishaps are as a result of either a simple lack of preparation or substandard tools and equipment.

"Insurance claims for home improvement accidents, such as a foot through the ceiling, spilt paint pots or shattered windows, occur at all times of the year but numbers increase around bank holiday weekends and throughout spring when those must-do home improvements finally get tackled."

According to Halifax the average value of a DIY related claim is £350 and one in five UK homeowners are planning some home improvements this weekend.