Insurer warns on claims spike

Malicious damage insurance claims tend to jump around Halloween and Bonfire Night, an insurer is warning.

Aviva’s home claims data covering the past five years, shows that malicious damage claims increased by 21% during the months of October and November, compared with the monthly average.

Home theft claims were also found to rise by 23% during the same months, with thieves taking advantage of the darker evenings.

Claims around Halloween include broken doors, smashed windows and damage caused by people throwing fireworks.

Previous Aviva research has also indicated that more serious fire claims can spike around Bonfire Night on November 5.

Waseem Malik, Aviva chief claims officer, said: “We’d urge residents and business owners to be on their guard at this time of year and report any significant acts of vandalism to the police, as well as their insurance provider.”