Common Christmas claims and how to avoid them

Christmas is a magical time of year, but it can also be a time when people find themselves having to make a home insurance claim.

Understanding how risks change over the holiday period can help prevent you from becoming one of the festive insurance claim statistics.

Beat the burglars

No one minds Santa coming down the chimney on Christmas Eve. But with burglaries increasing in the winter months, there’s a risk of getting some unwanted visitors over the holiday period.

Unlike Santa, rather than leave you presents, they’ll be looking to bag themselves a ready-wrapped Christmas at your expense.

To prevent the burglars adding your address to their Christmas list, avoid having stacks of presents on display. Similarly, once it’s all unwrapped, dispose of the packaging carefully. Empty boxes for games consoles and a new home cinema could make them consider a post-Christmas visit to your home.

It’s also sensible to keep your curtains drawn in the evenings and leave some lights on when you’re out. This stops the burglars thinking your is home empty and an easy target.

Keep your festivities fire-free

Alongside the increased risk of burglary over the holiday season, home fires can be more common at this time of year too. Faulty fairy lights, unwatched candles and flambéed Christmas puddings can result in a visit from the local fire brigade.

A few simple steps can keep the firemen at bay. Don’t be tempted to overload your electrical sockets and always turn off fairy lights when you go out.

Whether candles, matches or the gas hobs in the kitchen, naked flames require extra attention. Keep candles away from decorations and always extinguish them if you’re not going to be around. LED candles are much safer and last longer too.

Kitchen fires are also common at Christmas, especially if you’re catering for your whole family. Stay safe by keeping an eye on your hob and ensuring that anything combustible, whether that’s a tea towel or your party outfit, is kept well clear of the gas.

Watch out for accidents

Even without a major disaster, all the festivities can take its toll on your home. Accidental damage claims over this period could come from spilled glasses of mulled wine, expensive presents dropped on marble tiles and even overwatered Christmas trees.

These mishaps do happen but if you have accidental damage cover on your home insurance, you can hopefully get things fixed through your insurer. However, it’s simpler to avoid these accidents so be aware of the risks.

The festive spirit can also mean more claims for belongings that are lost or stolen away from the home. Sadly, pickpockets love this time of year, taking advantage of all the hustle and bustle to make off with phones, wallets and more.

If your home insurance policy includes personal possessions cover, which is usually an optional extra, your insurer may be able to help.

Protect your Christmas

With so many festive risks, it’s important to check your home insurance is up to the festivities. Make sure you have the right level of cover, especially if you’re giving some expensive Christmas presents.

It’s also worth checking whether you have the right level of accidental damage and personal possessions cover. If not, they can be topped up or added to your policy to give you the extra peace of mind that Christmas is covered.

Visit our home insurance page to find out more and get a quote.