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It is exam results season and whether you’re celebrating or commiserating it’s vital to have home insurance in place in case things go wrong.

Traditionally there is a spike in accidental damage claims during the month of August and insurer Swinton is predicting that this will be the case again this year. However, the problem is likely to go even further due to the ongoing popularity of social networking websites such as MySpace and Facebook.

Why social networking could be a problem

Social network websites are often used to advertise house parties and they have been linked to a rise in damage and claims. This is because these websites allow large numbers of people to be easily ‘invited’ to a party and unless privacy settings are used correctly, there is no way to control who might show up.

Just two weeks ago, a house party in Hampshire ended in a fracas when more than 100 people brawled, many of whom picked up an invitation through Facebook. A police helicopter and dog section were both called out as revellers spilled on to the road causing damages to homes and littering streets.

How can home insurance help

Ideally you don’t want your party to get out of hand and you should take all the steps you can to keep it under control. However, home insurance can help you pick up the pieces if things do go wrong – as long as you have a suitable level of cover in place.

Firstly, check your policy for accidental damage cover. Most insurers offer some level of accidental damage cover as standard – typically for electronic equipment. However, you may need extended accidental damage cover for items you keep in the home such as carpets and sofas which may suffer from wine spills; or ornaments that may be knocked over.

Check your policy for personal liability cover too – will you be covered if someone is injured in your home? Some home insurers also offer cover for visitors’ belongings in case they are lost or stolen.