The company claims that Brits have spent an average of £3,299 on decorating and home improvements in the last three years, adding to the value of home contents. However, many are paying a high price for accidental damage to property.

It found that 30 per cent of people in the UK had spilt red wine on the carpet, and more than a third had damaged ornaments such as vases and photo frames. More than a quarter had had to shell out for paint on the carpet after home handymen had been in, while 40 per cent had experienced accidental damage to furniture.

And, Direct Line claims more than a quarter of people spent more than £200 to repair or replace their most recently damaged item, despite the fact that accidental damage cover can be included in, or added to home or contents insurance policies.

Head of home insurance, Andrew Lowe, said: “We all accidentally damage contents in our homes at some point. While these items are often small objects such as crockery or ornaments, the cost and inconvenience of damaging something with sentimental and material value is extremely frustrating.

“Direct Line home insurance is now offering all new customers free accidental damage cover on their contents insurance. Importantly, as this offer applies to contents insurance, it is available to both homeowners and tenants. When it comes time to renew your policy in 12 months time, customers can also benefit from a 10 per cent discount if they are claim free.”

Brits should also make sure items in their gardens are protected, according to NFU Mutual. Its recent poll reveals that garden contents could typically be worth £2,000, and that theft of garden goods is a growing concern. The study should that a third of respondents had been a victim of garden theft.

Laura Wood at NFU Mutual said: “The value of the rural garden is increasing with people spending more on state of the art barbecues, expensive garden furniture, tools and sometimes valuable statues. Although people review their home security, they often forget about sheds, stores and gardens.

“Many home insurance policies will cover garden thefts but if you have some particularly valuable items then you should probably specify them on your policy.”

© Fair Investment Company Ltd