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With the World Cup just around the corner, you may have taken the chance to stock up on drinks and snacks to enjoy whilst you cheer your team on. You may have invested in a barbeque with the intention of having a party, or even purchased a new high definition television to watch the tournament on. However, even just being a spectator is not without its dangers.

Insurance company Aviva is expecting to see a huge rise in home insurance claim's during the World Cup, and they have offered advice on what to do should any of your possessions be broken.

Arguably the world’s greatest sporting event, this year’s tournament will take place in South Africa.

During the last World Cup, which was held in Germany in 2006, the company has said that claims for home and contents insurance rose by an amazing 25 per cent.

This startling rise was attributed to people gripped by football fever, and trying to emulate sporting heroes such as Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard in their own backyard or local parks, breaking windows and wrecking greenhouses.

The average settlement for these increased claims was £600, as garden sheds and conservatories fell victim to wayward footballs.

There is also the chance that any over exuberant goal celebrations may result in damage, such as knocking over the television set, smashing a glass topped table or breaking a valuable ornament.

Whilst you may expect, to a certain extent, football fans to be over enthusiastic in celebrating a goal or their team winning, the figures for claims rose even higher for the more gentlemanly sport of cricket.

The insurance company is keen to point out that during the Ashes cricket series of the summer of 2009, home insurance claim's for broken glass and other accidental breakages rose a whopping 30 per cent.

As you’re preparing to watch the tournament, it would be advisable to check your insurance documents to see what kind of accidental damage you are covered for. If you’re in any doubt at all, it is well worth contacting your insurance company to clarify any points that aren’t clear.