Your good china, that expensive set that only comes out for special occasions, could be more at risk during the cooler months. It may impress your friends and family at the table, but dropping your best crockery when clearing away can be costly. If you’ve found yourself getting a bit clumsier lately, it might be worth checking the thermostat – cold temperatures could be to blame.
Accidental damage: Why you shouldn’t use the good china in winter
Last updated on January 29, 2026
How colder temperatures could cause you to break fragile items in your home, and what you can do about it.
Can cold weather make us clumsier?
According to the New Scientist, cold temperatures reduce the circulation in our fingers, making them more prone to fumbling. So, if you’re having your in-laws over for your fanciest homemade soup – it may be best to serve it in your least fancy bowls. If you’re not keen on serving soup in plastic containers, or juggling with the good china, you might want to consider adding optional Accidental Damage cover to your Allianz Home Insurance.
It’s not just your best china that’s at risk. Allianz Home Insurance claims data from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023, shows that mobile phones are amongst the more commonly claimed items under accidental damage. A damaged mobile phone can be troublesome. What if you’ve lost those family photos from your lunch with the good china? A clumsy moment is all it takes to break your smart device.
When smart devices are no longer smart
You wouldn’t be the first or the last person to knock your tablet computer off your desk and hear it crash to the floor. Nor would you be the first or last to watch your smartwatch take a spin in the washing machine. Your laptop computer may also take an occasional dive from your desk or your lap, resulting in damage.
As for mobile phones, did you know that 60% of people in Australia check their phone on the toilet? If you’re becoming clumsier as temperatures plummet, you might want to take extra care if you’re using your mobile phone in the bathroom.
Our technology may be smart, but it’s not immune from the human touch.
Be prepared this winter
Keep your fine china intact, your red wine in the glass, and your mobile phone out of the sink this winter. Here are some cosy tips.
Keep those fingers moving
There are many ways to improve your finger dexterity, from hobbies such as origami, knitting, or playing the guitar, to learning specific hand exercises to increase hand mobility.
Layer up your clothing
Keeping your forearms warm may help improve the blood supply to your fingers and lessen your risk of dropping something.
Keep warm
Keeping doors closed can help you stay warm and save energy costs. Use throws and blankets for extra cosiness that may also help you save money on heating bills.
Take extra care, especially when handling fragile items
Also, store fragile items out of the way of curious children or pets.
Slow down and be mindful of your surroundings
Take your time when moving around your home space. Make sure that expensive items, like laptops, are placed on stable surfaces just in case.
Consider adding optional Accidental Damage cover to your Allianz Home and Contents Insurance
With our Home Insurance, Home and Contents Insurance and Renter Insurance, you have the option to take out Accidental Damage cover. This optional cover provides you with even more coverage from sudden, unforeseen and unintended events.
For example, if you spill red wine on your new carpet or lounge and you’ve taken out optional Accidental Damage cover as part of your Allianz Home and Contents Insurance, we’ll cover the cost of repair or replacement.
Available for both Allianz Home Building and Contents Insurance or Renter Insurance, optional Accidental Damage cover is there to help you through mishaps and clumsy moments. Note that an excess still applies to claims made. Cracks, scratches or chips aren’t typically covered on their own.
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Disclaimer
This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL234708 ("Allianz"). In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.
Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.
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