Clumsy homeowners are responsible for over a billion pounds worth of damage on their premises every year, new research has revealed. Figures from Tesco home insurance put the amount of damage at £1.35 billion yet a staggering 33 per cent of UK homeowners do not take out accidental damage cover.

Britons spend the most on correcting damage that as resulted from horseplay which amounts to £325 million. DIY is the cause of the next most expensive damage with £149 million being paid out followed by the cost of accidents occurring due to children which stands at £136 million.

Alcohol was shown to be the cause of £95 million worth of damage and the nations beloved pets totted up £87 million. Paul Baxter, from TescoCompare home insurance, encouraged homeowners to take out additional insurance.

"As the saying goes accidents do happen and this research suggests many of us suffer financial losses on an annual basis.

"You can insure against accidental damage," he said.