Kids are costing homeowners thousands of pounds by wreaking havoc around the house, according to a leading insurance company.
Barclays Insurance Services found that nearly half of parents have had to claim from their home insurance for broken beds, smashed ornaments and ruined carpets - thanks to their "little angels".
Adventurous children have caused damage of between £200 and £1,000 to a the homes of ten per cent of parents.
Nearly a quarter reported permanent stains caused by food and drink spillages, with 16 per cent familiar with the sound of broken windows.
Adrian Grace, the managing director at the home insurance provider, admits that it is "impossible" to keep a constant eye on young kids.
It is "inevitable" that accidents will occur with children around, he says, and therefore it is "essential" that parents have adequate home insurance.
Home insurance is needed in particular to cover accidental damage, in order to help minimise the cost of replacing household items broken or damaged by children, Mr Grace points out.
The insurance company found that two-thirds of adults have failed to upgrade their home contents insurance since becoming parents.




