Research carried out by AXA found the week between Halloween and Bonfire night have the highest number of home insurance malicious damage claims for the whole year.

The 31^st October sees a 270% increase in claims than on an average day with Bonfire night on November 5^{th ,} seeing a 350% rise in claims.

Halloween is the worst day of the year for vandalism targeting your home which is particularly worrying this year as it falls on a Saturday, which sees more vandalism than any other day of the week.

Claims include damage by trick-or-treaters such as broken windows, damaged paintwork with eggs, walls being knocked down and fireworks being put through letterboxes on Bonfire night.

72% of people admit to hiding from trick-or-treaters and 13% say their home has been damaged in the past.

Homeowners are being advised to remove all items from outside their property, to lock any sheds, and to park their car somewhere out of the way, ideally in the garage. It is also important to check that any home contents insurance policies taken out cover damage by trick-or-treaters.

Parents are being urged to help police to ensure homeowners don’t become victims of anti-social behaviour and damage linked to trick-or-treating and fireworks.

As the clocks went back on the weekend, meaning longer nights, home contents claims linked to theft are likely to increase as they have done in previous years with 8.5% more people receiving payouts.

Homeowners can obtain contents insurance including cover for theft and malicious damage to protect themselves and their property. For more information on various cheap landlords insurance please visit Discount Landlord Insurance.