School holidays set to cause surge in insurance claims
25 July 2005
Source: HBOS press release
Last year school holiday devastation generated £1.84 million of accidental damage claims
One quarter of all accidental damage claims occur during school holiday period
School's out for summer and the mischief children can now get up to is endless and, according to Halifax Home Insurance, costly too. Last year the insurer received the most claims during July and August, generating £1.84 million* of accidental damage to buildings and contents and constituting over one quarter (26%) of the insurer's annual claim numbers for accidental damage.
Halifax Home Insurance anticipates that this summer will be no different. It expects claims to top the £2 million mark over the coming months as children make the most of the school break.
Vicky Emmott, senior underwriting manager for Halifax Home Insurance, said:
''There tends to be an increase in claim numbers during the school holidays, especially during the summer. It's not uncommon for us to deal with claims from mothers whose children have kicked a football a little too hard and smashed a window.
''The mixed weather of the traditional British summer means that children at times can be cooped up indoors and will inevitably find exciting ways to amuse themselves. It's this that can lead to the damage of contents inside the home especially to electrical equipment and furniture.''
Halifax General Insurance recommends that parents follow Childline's** top ten tips for a peaceful and stress-free summer:
1. Holidays are for everyone to relax and enjoy - so whether you stay at home or go away, why not try and make sure everyone gets a share of the action and the breaks? That means children get some choice over what they do - and parents get time off too.
2. Children grow up quickly, and can be fickle about what they enjoy - so remember what suited your children last year may be a big bore this year;
3. Why don't you team up with other parents you know to share activities and childcare or baby-sitting?.
4. Be flexible. If plans for the day don't come off, it's not the end of the world;
5. You may want your children to get as much out of the holidays as they can, but they've got to learn to organise their own time some time. And if they want to spend some of time with the television, stereo or computer, even if the sun is shining outside, give yourself and them a break!
6. Establish some ground rules whether at home or away. Check out the people and places your children will be dealing with, and tell any other families who'll be looking after them. Make sure any organised activities have properly trained and supervised staff - don't be afraid to ask.
7. Working parents: don't feel guilty because you are not there all the time. Enjoy yourselves when you have time with your children, even if it means letting domestic chores slip for a while. And remember, the children might actually enjoy having a break from you! Whatever arrangements you make, just make sure they are safe.
8. Most areas have local authority play schemes, with experienced staff providing a huge range of activities for free, or just a minimal cost. Your local authority and library should have details of these and other holiday activities in your area.
9. Don't forget things that are fun to do at home or nearby, with or with other children - like cooking, creative play, competitions, dressing up and organising games. Check out your local parks, libraries, museums and leisure centres, especially if you don't usually get the chance to go - and they may have special activities on as well.
10. Local and national newspapers and magazines will also have listings of holiday activities, some of which are free.
Now, relax and enjoy the summer!
|
|
