6 Common Holiday-Related Insurance Claims
Reading time • 5 minutes
By Matic
No matter what type of insurance you have, the hope is that everything will go smoothly and you’ll never have to file a claim — but the real world may have different plans, especially during the holidays. Between holiday entertaining and travel, this time of year can be particularly busy for homeowners and drivers. Here are six common holiday-related insurance claims, and how to avoid them.
3 common home insurance claims during the holidays
The holiday season could set the stage for a surprise home insurance claim. If you own your home, keep these potential risks in mind.
1. Fires
This festive time of year might inspire you to decorate your home, but you’ll want to do so safely. From 2018 to 2022, nearly half of all home decoration fires in the month of December were started by candles, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Cooking mishaps caused 20% of decoration fires.
Simple ways to reduce your risk
- Go with flame-resistant or flame-retardant holiday decorations.
- Be mindful of candles. Keep them away from anything flammable, and be sure to extinguish them before going to sleep or leaving your home.
- Keep your holiday decorations away from heat sources.
2. Personal injuries
The holidays are in full swing, which means you may be entertaining more than usual. Accidents can always happen, but the risk may be even higher if you have a packed house — especially if alcohol is involved. Holiday decorating could also increase your injury risk if you’re climbing ladders or heading up to the roof.
Simple ways to reduce your risk
- Take extra precautions when putting up holiday decorations.
- When having guests over, be sure that children are supervised. If you have a pool, consider using a child safety gate, even if the pool is covered for the winter months.
- Don’t leave the kitchen when food is on the stove. Also set timers for any food that’s cooking in the oven. That can help prevent fires and burn injuries.
3. Cold-related home issues
Harsh winter weather can pose unique risks for homeowners, whether that’s a frozen pipe that bursts or ice damming that damages the roof. This is when snow melts on the roof and refreezes toward the edges, which can make it hard for melting snow to drain on its own. If you live in a cold climate, the holidays are a great time to assess your risk.
Simple ways to reduce your risk
- Aim to keep your thermostat above 55 degrees.
- Consider insulating exposed pipes.
- Regularly clean debris from rain gutters and spouts, and do your best to clear any snow that accumulates on your roof.
3 common auto insurance claims during the holidays
Your home isn’t the only thing at risk. The winter months can also increase your chances of filing one of the following types of auto insurance claims.
1. Accidents
More than 70% of the country’s roads are located in snowy regions, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Driving on wet, snow-packed streets can be dangerous, especially for less experienced drivers. As a driver, you’ll want to be on the lookout for cars and pedestrians alike.
Simple ways to reduce your risk
- Maintain a safe following distance. This can give you more time to respond if there’s an accident ahead.
- If your wheels begin to slide, don’t hit the brakes. Instead, turn into the skid.
- Get your wiper blades and tires checked, and consider investing in all-season or winter tires.
2. Theft
It may be tempting to warm up your car before getting in the driver’s seat, but leaving your car running could lead to theft. A running vehicle will emit a puff of steam that can attract thieves, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
Simple ways to reduce your risk
- Never leave a running car unattended, even if you’re just warming it up or running a quick errand.
- Don’t leave your keys, garage door opener, or holiday gifts in an unlocked car.
- Get in the habit of using your car alarm, and try to avoid parking in poorly lit areas.
3. Collisions
Most car insurance policies include collision coverage. You might think this only applies to run-ins with other vehicles, but it also protects you from collisions with stationary objects — like trees or a neighbor’s holiday decorations. But not everything is covered. For example, you’ll be on your own if you hit a deer or other animal with your car.
Simple ways to reduce your risk
- Add comprehensive coverage to your insurance policy, which covers vehicle damage caused by things that are outside your control.
- Avoid looking at your phone while driving. Keep your eyes, and attention, on the road.
- Slow down and use extra caution when driving in hazardous areas or wintery conditions.
It isn’t always possible to avoid an insurance claim during the holidays, but being aware of common risks could help reduce your chances. In the meantime, you can easily compare home and auto insurance policies from top-rated carriers with Matic.
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