The increasing popularity of dinner parties over the past few months may not be as cost-effective as consumers initially thought unless homeowners have appropriate home insurance.

According to a British insurer, homeowners holding dinner parties as a cheaper alternative to eating out is perhaps behind the recent rise in home insurance claims.

TV shows such as Channel 4’s Come Dine with Me, could also contribute to the dinner party trend and increasing insurance claims.

Research found that 67% of homeowners who held a dinner party in the last six months had experienced some form of damage to their property with 30% of respondents submitting a home insurance claim form for damage ranging from red wine on carpets and cigarette burns to damaged furnishings and electrical equipment.

However homeowners should be warned that by making claims on their home insurance policy often leads to increased premiums, loss of no claims bonuses and excesses to pay.

It is important the homeowners take out the appropriate contents insurance to cover their home and belongings.

For more information on buildings and contents insurances policies click here