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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but that doesn’t mean that things can’t go wrong. From burst pipes to broken fairy lights, Christmas mishaps can quickly turn your celebrations sour – and lead to costly insurance claims.
The good news is that a little preparation is all that’s required to minimise the chances of any nasty surprises.
Here are the twelve of the most common festive risks to watch out for – and how to stay one step ahead.
Wintry weather brings cold snaps, icy paths and slippery steps. Make sure to clear any snow early before it turns to slush, and use grit or salt to help prevent freezing. It’s a simple thing, but it helps to keep your home safe for everyone inside. A delivery driver who’s injured on your property could make a claim against you, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Remember – opportunists like Christmas, too. That’s why you should keep presents out of sight until it’s time to open them. If you’ve bought something of particularly high value, you’ll also want to let your insurer know, as your contents cover could be affected.
Fairy lights add more than a twinkle – they can also present as a fire risk. That’s why you should avoid overloading sockets – especially extension plugs – and check your lights for damage before plugging them in. Also, never leave candles unattended.
If you’re heading away for the holidays, leave your heating on low to help prevent internal pipes from freezing. If there are any exposed pipes, consider insulating them as well as water tanks to reduce the chance of any damage occurring when you’re gone – if you need to make a claim, your insurer may want evidence that you took these precautions.
If you’re not a fan of busy shopping centres, shopping online can seem like the perfect safe haven – but it comes with risks, too. With reports of scamming seeing an uptick during the Christmas season,[1] make sure that you stick to trusted websites and avoid clicking on suspicious emails (known as phishing).
It’s no secret that driving in icy and snowy conditions can be very dangerous, so it really pays to be prepared. Before your journey, clear windows properly before setting off and take extra care while you’re driving. In the event you are involved in an accident, contact your insurer quickly while the details are fresh in your mind.
Inclement weather can impact your house as well as your car journey. That’s why you’ll want to check your roof before the weather turns, as storms and heavy snow can loosen tiles or cause leaks. Ice dams can also arise if melting snow is unable to melt properly, leading to water seeping into your home – the last thing you want at Christmas.
Bad weather can end up in cancelled flights and delayed trains – but did you know that travel insurance protects your train journeys, too? So, if you’re planning a festive getaway, make sure you book travel insurance as a priority.
Melting snow, blocked gutters and frozen pipes – all these things and more can result in leaks. Prevention is much easier than dealing with a flood, so check your roof for signs of wear and clear leaves from your drain. That said, wear and tear to your roof won’t typically be included in your policy.
It would be much easier if cats and dogs knew not to chew through cables and knock over trees, but instead we’re left with the next best thing: pet-proofing. That means hiding away toxic chemicals, using pet or baby gates, and removing small items your pets could choke on. Unfortunately, damage caused by chewing pets typically isn’t covered on your policy, so make sure to pet proof before things go wrong.
Where you place your Christmas tree matters — not just for how it looks, but for how safe it is. Avoid positioning your tree near candles, heaters or electronics. These can pose a fire risk, especially when decorations are involved. Choose a spot that’s secure, away from hazards, and easy to enjoy without worry.
Where it’s broken ornaments, toppled trees or spilled drinks, don’t let an accident ruin the festivities. Check your home insurance to see if accidental damage cover is included. If it isn’t, it might be worth adding for your peace of mind.
Don’t let any happy accidents or unforeseen events ruin your Christmas. Speak to a member of our friendly team at Everywhen about a tailored home insurance policy.
Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems, we recommend that professional advice be sought.
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