The holiday season is known for family gatherings, festive décor, delicious meals, and time-honored traditions. Sadly, the holidays also bring a noticeable uptick in homeowners insurance claims. From kitchen fires to guest injuries, the risks increase with the season. At Anderson & Associates Insurance Group, we want to be safe – so this article will outline how you can avoid some of the most common holiday claims.
- Kitchen Fires and Cooking Accidents: Let’s start with the most common culprit: the kitchen. With all the holiday cooking and baking, kitchen fires are the number one cause of homeowners insurance claims during this season. Grease fires, oven mishaps (and distracted chefs) contribute to thousands of fire-related claims each year. Although most homeowners’ insurance policies do cover fire damage, it’s obviously preferable to avoid a fire altogether. In order to prevent any cooking related incidents from occurring at your home, take note of these tips:
- Never leave the stove or oven unattended.
- Keep flammable materials (like dish towels and paper) away from burners.
- Avoid using outdoor fryers unless they’re placed safely away from the home.
- Holiday Decorations & Electrical Hazards: They may be an essential part of holiday cheer, but decorations also cause quite a few seasonal insurance claims. Dry trees, overloaded extension cords, or candles left burning can lead to fires and electrical damage – or even injuries in serious cases. As a responsible homeowner, you can prevent decoration disasters by:
- Keeping your tree well-watered and away from heat sources.
- Inspecting all lights and cords for fraying or wear before use.
- Using timers and surge protectors.
- Never leaving candles unattended.
Expert Tip: If you’ve invested in expensive decorations, consider reviewing your personal property coverage limits. It’s easy to underestimate the value of your seasonal décor collection.
- Theft and Package Piracy: You’ve likely seen this on viral online videos. With online shopping booming, more packages are delivered (and unfortunately, stolen) than ever before. “Porch pirates” love the holidays, and theft claims spike accordingly – in fact, nearly 58 million packages were stolen in 2024! Additionally, with homes left unattended during holiday travel or parties, break-ins are also a concern. Most standard policies cover theft – but be sure to report stolen items quickly and keep receipts for high-value gifts. If you want to protect your home from holiday theft – and who doesn’t – review these tips.
- Use security cameras and motion-sensor lights.
- if possible, schedule deliveries for times when someone is home.
- Ask a neighbor to collect packages if you’re away.
- Keep doors and windows locked – even during short outings.
- Water Damage While You’re Away: In Florida, we’re lucky to avoid the frozen pipe issues northern states face – but water damage can still occur during the holidays, especially if you’re traveling or hosting. Leaky appliances, overflowing toilets, or small plumbing issues can escalate quickly when homes are left unattended for even a few days. If you plan to travel over the holidays, consider these recommendations before you depart. After all, water damage from plumbing issues is typically covered – but you’ll want to avoid the stress it can cause.
- Shut off the water supply if possible.
- Ask a neighbor or friend to check in on your home.
- Make sure your water sensors and smart devices are working (if you have them).
- Guest Injuries and Liability Claims: Hosting guests is one of the most special aspects of the season – but it also increases your liability risk. From broken decorations to dog bites, accidents can happen fast. Again, most homeowners’ policies include personal liability coverage, but it’s worth reviewing your limits – especially if you plan on hosting large gatherings. To reduce your liability risk:
- Clear walkways and entryways.
- Keep pets in a separate area if they’re anxious around guests.
- Ensure good lighting, especially outdoors.
- Supervise kids around fireplaces, pools, or kitchens.
The holidays should be a time of celebration, not stress. By understanding the most common holiday insurance claims and taking a few precautions, you can help ensure your home stays safe and festive.
If you need a policy review before the season kicks off, the team at Anderson & Associates Insurance Group is happy to help you check your coverage and make any necessary adjustments. We wish you a safe and festive holiday season.
