Norwich Union Insurance has released research pointing out that Halloween is not a treat for insurers. It is the worst day of the year for malicious damage claims to UK property, increasing by 150 percent and costing an average 900.
The research said Halloween is also one of the worst days for cars, with 20 percent more claims than usual, costing an average of 1,200 per incident.
One in 10 people will claim trick-or-treaters have damaged their home, 80 percent of which is done by throwing eggs and flour. Other popular damage is turning off electricity, damaging gardens and hedges and outside theft.
Of the survey respondents, 72 percent said they pretend not to be at home when trick-or-treaters knock, and 92 percent feel anxious on Halloween.
“Traditionally Halloween is associated with fear because of the supernatural but our research shows it’s real fears causing the most anxiety,” says Jason Harris, senior claims manager at Norwich Union. “Our research shows that trick-or-treaters are the biggest cause of Halloween nerves, and only a small number of those surveyed attributed their fears to ghosts.
Other findings in the research show people in the Midlands are the least likely to accept trick-or-treaters and residents of Northern Ireland have the highest spirits. Wales is at the top of the list for regions where homes may be harmed and Scotland is at the bottom.