The average sofa will endure quite the lifetime - from nearly 300 arguments to 1,600 spillages and 1,300 cuddles.

Those are the figures from home insurance provider esure, which estimates the most comfortable seat in the house will also seat up to 782 visitors and enjoy 391 lads' nights and 293 girly nights in.

Indeed a typical sofa will last for eight years - but that's only if we take appropriate steps to protect it.

Home insurance cover for sofas

The research suggests that children will drop food and drink on a sofa an average of three times every two weeks - that's 72 times a year. Indeed even parents are expected to spill some food or drink on their sofa up to six times a month.

This incredible volume of spills and mishaps clearly outlines the importance of taking out an appropriate level of home insurance.

In particular, homeowners should pay attention to the level of accidental damage cover they have in place. Most standard accidental damage cover will only protect electrical items such as video recorders and DVD players. As such it may be necessary to take out extended accidental damage cover to protect you against standard mishaps that may affect your sofa.

Consider whether you have a store warranty too and what this covers. Many retail stores sell insurance policies alongside items of furniture that may make taking out additional home insurance cover unnecessary.

How to protect a sofa

Taking steps to protect your sofas can prevent accidents from causing serious damage. For example, leather sofas can be protected with a variety of liquids that are often provided by the manufacturer, while fabric sofas could be protected with vinyl or other drapes. Keep fabric sofas vacuumed regularly, and avoid placing sofas in direct sunlight which could wear them down.