Clangers on the rise as Aussies go for gold at home

The findings come as millions of Australians impacted by COVID restrictions are forced to work out at home once again - and with the Tokyo Olympics underway, there’s even greater inspiration for Aussies to emerge from lockdown more spunky than chunky.

Aussies have flocked to online training with over half participating in at-home workouts (59%) and many anticipate they’ll continue to be virtual fitness junkies at least once a week (51%). Fitspo has come at a cost, however, with AAMI research finding almost half (44%) of those getting their sweat on at home have sustained an injury or damaged property, and AAMI’s claims data showing that accidental property claims now represent nearly a fifth (18%) of all new national home claims from the past year. 

Whether forced by lockdowns or inspired by the green and gold, the most common types of property damage caused by at-home workout clangers include damage to:

South Australians take the gold as the most prone to mishaps, with nearly a third (29%) of the state’s home claims being for accidental damage, with Tasmania (24%) coming in close behind for silver and the ACT (21%) rounding out the podium positions and taking the bronze.

Proving that accidents can and will happen – and even the most well-intentioned home workout can have disastrous consequences, the AAMI home claims team have shared some of the more amusing home sporting tales which have not ended well, including:

• a child trying to emulate Mitchell Starc and working on his bowling technique – with a snooker ball – while watching the Ashes. He hit the sticks… if you consider the home television the wicket
• a customer perfecting their golf swing in the garage, but not giving themselves the space for a complete follow-through, seriously damaging their club

• a rogue soccer ball snapping a laptop in two when it was mistaken for the goal
• a customer giving their new golf cart a spin before hitting the green and driving it into a wall
• a policyholder’s fandom going to the next level breaking the TV by cheering a bit too hard during a football game

AAMI’s Head of Home Claims Victoria, Craig White said it was fantastic to see Aussies staying active at home, but urged those trying to emulate their heroes to arrange the space in order to play it safe.

“It seems we’ve been slipping, tripping, smashing, and crashing our way through the pandemic, but no one wins gold by being unprepared,” Mr White said. “Breaking the lockdown blues and international events like the Olympics can provide the inspiration to get up and get active, but just like false starts, accidents can happen in our everyday arena. 

Whether it’s installing the latest high-tech equipment, high jumping over the dog, or living out your Boomers basketball fantasy - there are some simple steps Aussies can take to reduce their risk at home."