Protect your home from ghoulish pranksters
Two and half times more malicious damage claims than normal arrive at insurers after Halloween, as pranksters get up to some pretty ghoulish over-indulgence.
And tonight it’s Halloween again so trick-or-treaters will be putting the frighteners on the nation and wreaking havoc on our homes, according research from Norwich Union Insurance that shows Halloween is the worst day of the year for malicious damage claims to property.
Insurers expect an increase of 150% in property claims with the average cost of that damage a shocking £900 treat from the pranksters. It’s also one of the worst days of the year for damage to cars, with 20% more claims than a normal day. The average cost is £1,200 per incident.
More than one in ten (13%) people claim their home has been damaged by high spirited trick-or-treaters. The single biggest reported culprit of damage to homes is caused by trick-or-treaters throwing eggs and flour which is responsible for 80% of damage. However, more damaging and costly examples of tricks highlighted by the research include switching off electricity supply to homes, damage to gardens and hedges and theft of items from outside peoples’ homes.
It comes as no surprise that 92% of those surveyed by Norwich Union admit that Halloween makes them feel anxious, and 65% dread a knock at the door on Halloween. But however frightening the pranksters can appear, pretending to not be at home is not necessarily the best choice for homeowners.
Nearly three quarters of respondents divulged that they have pretended not to be at home when trick-or-treaters have knocked at their door. The most popular tactic is to sit at the back of their home to make it look like no-one is in, followed by turning off the lights and television and ignoring knocks or rings at the door.
Other key survey findings:
People in the Midlands are least likely to open the door to trick-or-treaters, closely followed by Wales and London
Northern Ireland is revealed as the place where Halloween spirits are highest.
People living there are the most likely to open their door to trick-or-treaters
Wales tops the list as the region where homes are most likely to be harmed by trick-or-treaters
Regionally Scotland comes top as the place where homes are least likely to be damaged by trick-or-treaters.
Jason Harris, senior claims manager at Norwich Union, said: “Our research shows that trick-or-treaters are the biggest cause of Halloween nerves, and only a small number of those surveyed attributed their fears to ghosts.”
“With a three fold increase in malicious damage claims on 31 October, Halloween is the worst day of the year for vandalism targeting your home.
“While the vast majority of trick-or-treaters are just in high spirits, it’s worth taking a few simple steps such as putting your vehicle in the garage and making sure your doors are secured.”
Norwich Union Insurance top tips for warding off trick-or-treaters:
Consider stocking up on treats - this could mean the difference between being a victim of a trick and averting trouble from your home
If you are a parent, volunteer to take turns with other parents to accompany children when they are trick-or-treating
Put the car in the garage or tucked out of the way for the night
Move any garden ornaments, potted plants or bikes from the front or side of your house and out of sight.
Malicious damage is covered as standard in most home insurance policies, but it’s worth checking you have adequate buildings and contents cover.
Two and half times more malicious damage claims than normal arrive at insurers after Halloween, as pranksters get up to some pretty ghoulish over-indulgence.
And tonight it’s Halloween again so trick-or-treaters will be putting the frighteners on the nation and wreaking havoc on our homes, according research from Norwich Union Insurance that shows Halloween is the worst day of the year for malicious damage claims to property.
Insurers expect an increase of 150% in property claims with the average cost of that damage a shocking £900 treat from the pranksters. It’s also one of the worst days of the year for damage to cars, with 20% more claims than a normal day. The average cost is £1,200 per incident.
More than one in ten (13%) people claim their home has been damaged by high spirited trick-or-treaters. The single biggest reported culprit of damage to homes is caused by trick-or-treaters throwing eggs and flour which is responsible for 80% of damage. However, more damaging and costly examples of tricks highlighted by the research include switching off electricity supply to homes, damage to gardens and hedges and theft of items from outside peoples’ homes.
It comes as no surprise that 92% of those surveyed by Norwich Union admit that Halloween makes them feel anxious, and 65% dread a knock at the door on Halloween. But however frightening the pranksters can appear, pretending to not be at home is not necessarily the best choice for homeowners.
Nearly three quarters of respondents divulged that they have pretended not to be at home when trick-or-treaters have knocked at their door. The most popular tactic is to sit at the back of their home to make it look like no-one is in, followed by turning off the lights and television and ignoring knocks or rings at the door.
Other key survey findings:
People in the Midlands are least likely to open the door to trick-or-treaters, closely followed by Wales and London
Northern Ireland is revealed as the place where Halloween spirits are highest.
People living there are the most likely to open their door to trick-or-treaters
Wales tops the list as the region where homes are most likely to be harmed by trick-or-treaters
Regionally Scotland comes top as the place where homes are least likely to be damaged by trick-or-treaters.
Jason Harris, senior claims manager at Norwich Union, said: “Our research shows that trick-or-treaters are the biggest cause of Halloween nerves, and only a small number of those surveyed attributed their fears to ghosts.”
“With a three fold increase in malicious damage claims on 31 October, Halloween is the worst day of the year for vandalism targeting your home.
“While the vast majority of trick-or-treaters are just in high spirits, it’s worth taking a few simple steps such as putting your vehicle in the garage and making sure your doors are secured.”
Norwich Union Insurance top tips for warding off trick-or-treaters:
Consider stocking up on treats - this could mean the difference between being a victim of a trick and averting trouble from your home
If you are a parent, volunteer to take turns with other parents to accompany children when they are trick-or-treating
Put the car in the garage or tucked out of the way for the night
Move any garden ornaments, potted plants or bikes from the front or side of your house and out of sight.
Malicious damage is covered as standard in most home insurance policies, but it’s worth checking you have adequate buildings and contents cover.
posted by tony at 5:39 PM
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