The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it also brings an increased risk of home insurance claims. Understanding the most common claims and how to prevent them can help ensure your holidays remain joyful and stress-free.

Common Insurance Claims Around the Holidays

The following are common home insurance claims during the holidays and how to avoid them:

• Fire claims—Holiday lights, candles and cooking mishaps are leading causes of fires during the holiday season. To prevent fire-related claims, inspect holiday lights for frayed wires and replace any damaged ones, keep candles away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended, and stay vigilant while cooking, especially when using the stove or oven.
• Theft claims—With many people traveling and homes filled with gifts, theft becomes a significant concern. To reduce the risk of theft, install a security system with cameras and alarms, keep gifts out of sight from windows and doors and ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home if you’re traveling.
• Winter weather damage claims—Snow, ice and freezing temperatures can cause significant damage to homes. Common issues include burst pipes and roof damage. To mitigate these risks, insulate pipes and keep your home heated to prevent freezing, clear snow and ice from roofs and gutters to avoid ice dams and trim tree branches that could fall and cause damage during a storm.
• Slip and fall claims—Icy walkways and driveways can lead to slip-and-fall accidents. To prevent these incidents, regularly shovel and apply salt to walkways and driveways and ensure proper lighting around your home to improve visibility.

Learn More

Contact AAAA Insurance for more risk-mitigation techniques.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.