Overview

• An analysis of 78 policies from 35 providers found only 28% of buildings cover and 27% of contents cover include accidental damage as standard.
• About seven in ten policies offer accidental damage only as an add-on or as limited basic cover that can be upgraded, covering mishaps like spills, paint on carpets or smashed windows.
• Survey data show 31% of buyers believe policies cover anything not their fault, while 29% think possessions cover includes accidental damage.
• A June–July 2025 survey of recent claimants found accidental damage accounted for roughly 19% of home insurance claims.
• Which? has lodged a super-complaint alleging serious failings in home and travel insurance, while the Association of British Insurers says core home policies target major losses and accidental damage is typically extra with exclusions such as wear-and-tear or pet damage.