A comparison website has predicted an increase in home insurance claims as a result of New Years Eve parties and the Christmas season.

The comparison website estimated a total cost of £1bn which was averaged out as £35 per household spent on repairing damage caused over Christmas and the New Year.

The research found that the festive season will result in the destruction of 57.3 million plates, cups, and glasses, as well as 91.7 million spillages to clear up from carpets and floors. 10% will cause damage to belongings by playing on their Nintendo Wii.

Burglaries also increase over this period with an average of 10% of households experiencing a break-in and £247 worth of goods being stolen on average each time.

Police are warning people not to leave empty boxes outside their homes giving burglars a clue about the new TV or computer they got for Christmas. They also urge people to make a note of serial numbers, makes and models of gifts bought and to keep the receipt in a separate place.

It is particularly important to protect everyday items just as much as you would your valuables. One big mistake when making cut backs during the recession is to fail to take out a home insurance policy. Almost 10% of home owners will have to spend as much as £100 on damage caused by parties over the festive season.

Homeowners can obtain home insurance including cover for theft and malicious damage to protect themselves and their property.