Over the past five years, Aviva, a leading insurance company, has reported over 6,000 incidents of domestic damage caused by dogs and cats in the UK. These furry companions have been responsible for a variety of household mishaps, including broken windows, damaged carpets, and the destruction of high-value items such as laptops, phones, and televisions. One of the highlighted claims involved a dog that broke a window by headbutting it in excitement, while cats have been reported to knock over and destroy televisions.

An unusual case cited by Aviva involved a dog ingesting its owner’s jewellery, showcasing the wide range of unexpected accidents pets can cause. Additionally, pet owners have faced claims for tripping over their pets, leading to further damage within their homes. The insurance company noted that while standard policies might not cover damage resulting from a pet’s chewing or scratching, adding accidental damage cover could provide protection against such unforeseen pet-related incidents.

Hazel Johnson, who serves as the Director of Home and Motor Claims at Aviva, highlighted the significance of having accidental damage cover as part of home insurance policies. This additional coverage can help mitigate the financial impact of incidents ranging from pets knocking laptops off tables to the loss of items like earrings and phones during walks with pets. The report emphasizes the multitude of ways in which dogs and cats can inadvertently lead to claims on home insurance policies, underlining the importance of considering comprehensive coverage for pet owners.