Claims involving hot tubs tripled last year

Home insurance claims involving hot tubs nearly tripled last year as people spent more time in their homes and gardens during coronavirus lockdowns.

The figures were released by insurance giant Aviva, which analysed its own claims data and found a 188% year-on-year increase in accidental damage claims for hot tubs in 2020.

Claims it accepted included a grass strimmer bursting an inflatable tub, birds pecking holes in a spa cover and an engagement ring ripping a tub lining.

Falling parasols have also caused hot tub trouble, as have people tripping over them.

Aviva added that accidental damage claims for items dropped in or knocked off the side of hot tubs in the UK have also increased in recent years, with mobile phones topping the list of items taking the plunge and hearing aids, watches and tablets also being toppled.

The insurance giant said it also received a small number of claims for stolen hot tubs. In many of these cases, deflated spas were stolen from garages and outbuildings, although some brazen thieves took hot tubs directly from customers’ gardens.

Kelly Whittington, property claims director for Aviva, said: “Many people bought hot tubs in 2020, while others took their spas out of storage, so they could enjoy holidays at home. Unfortunately this appears to have led to all manner of mishaps, both with the hot tubs themselves and items dropped in them.

“Many residents will be staying in the UK again this year, so hot tubs and garden accessories are likely to be very popular again.”