World cup woes: Co-op reveals 15% increase in broken TV claims during the tournament

15 June 2018

Co-op insurance is urging football fans to check that their TV is covered during the World Cup, when accidental damages are more likely.

According to data from the insurer, claims against entertainment system and electrical item damage during the 2014 World Cup were 15 percent higher in the month during the tournament, compared to the months prior or following*.

In 2014, there was a theme of Co-op customers moving TVs around and dropping them, with some unsuccessfully fastening their TV onto a wall bracket, resulting in the TV falling off the wall.

Data from the Co-op also reveals that there was double the amount of damages from drinks spillages during the World Cup period, in comparison to the month after the tournament.

With the increase in ownership of higher spec, 4K TVs, it’s looking more likely that fans will be switching the pub for the sofa this year to create a stadium atmosphere right from home.

With this in mind, Co-op Insurance has listed its top tips on how to safeguard your TV against World Cup excitement this year.

  1. The best way to protect your TV is to insure it. Being at home gives you a better view of the screen. But this gives a higher risk of accidental damage on electrical items when tensions run high and your team (hopefully) score. Co-op Home Insurance claims were 15 percent higher the month during the World Cup in 2014, demonstrating the risk is higher – so make sure there’s no way for you to be out of pocket and insure against damages

  2. Decide where your dedicated World Cup viewing will be – moving TVs around, and not fastening them to a wall bracket properly were the most common circumstances for TVs being damaged during the tournament in 2014

  3. Keep the remote out of reach. Because, is there really a better way of making sure no one throws it at the TV when your team of choice concede?

  4. Keep the kickabouts outside. Hopefully the global football skills on show will be inspiring the nation to try out their dribbling skills…but keep it in the garden, and away from that precious TV screen

  5. Celebrations strictly behind the line. Be the referee and have a clear line in front of the TV that no one passes. This will not only help decrease the likelihood of the TV being knocked over, but will remind viewers not to obstruct the all-important football action

Caroline Hunter, Head of Home Insurance at Co-op says:

“It’s great that technology is now allowing us to get closer to World Cup action straight from our living rooms.

“However, high spec televisions combined with excited football fans, does come with some risk. Make sure you’re covered for any potential damages so that you’re not left out of pocket or disappointed at the end of the tournament.

“If you have bought a new TV specifically for the World Cup, or if you’re hosting World Cup watching parties, getting your electrical items insured really is worth it.”

Media Contacts:

Hannah Charlton
Press Officer
Hannah.charlton@coop.co.uk
07713314894

Jenna Moss
PR Manager
jenna.moss@coop.co.uk
07770441828

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @coopukpress

*Claims data from Co-op Home Insurance during the months May-August 2014.

About Co-op Insurance:

Co-op Insurance is part of the Co-op, one of the world’s largest consumer co-ops, owned by millions of members. Alongside Co-op Insurance, we have the UK’s fifth biggest food retailer, the UK’s number one funeral services provider, and a developing legal services business. As well as having clear financial and operational objectives, the Co-op is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes.