Holiday Mishaps Happen: How to Keep Yours Off the Claims List
The holidays are meant to be joyful. Homes are fuller, kitchens are busier, travel calendars are packed, and decorations seem to multiply overnight. But from an insurance standpoint, December is also one of the most claim-heavy months of the year.
We tend to see the same patterns repeat every holiday season. A small kitchen mishap turns into a fire claim. A guest slips on a dark walkway. A package disappears before anyone gets home. Most of these situations are preventable, and knowing what to watch for can go a long way toward keeping your holiday memories happy for the right reasons.
Let’s walk through the most common holiday-related claims we see and how to lower your risk.
Holiday Claims Happen More Than You Think
Holiday accidents are not just movie material. According to recent national safety and insurance data:
• Thousands of people are injured each year while decorating, often from ladder falls
• Cooking remains the leading cause of home fires during the holidays
• Christmas tree and candle-related fires still cause millions of dollars in property damage annually
• Toy-related injuries send well over 100,000 people to the emergency room each year
• Theft and package-related claims spike sharply in December
In other words, Santa may be magic, but insurance claims are very real.
House Fires and Christmas Trees
Between space heaters, cooking, candles, and decorations, the risk of fire increases significantly this time of year.
Live Christmas trees are beautiful, but once they dry out, they become extremely flammable. Keeping the tree watered, checking light strands for damage, and turning lights off before bed or leaving the house makes a big difference. Artificial trees should be labeled fire resistant, and candles should always be kept well away from trees, garlands, and curious pets.
If your tree starts dropping needles faster than holiday spirit drops after December 25, it is time for it to go. Please do not burn it in the fireplace. Local recycling programs, mulching, or even donating trees for coastal habitat projects are much safer options.
Cooking Mishaps
AKA the Most Common Holiday Claim
Holiday kitchens are crowded, loud, and busy. That is when fires happen.
Unattended cooking is still the number one cause of home fires during the holidays. Grease fires, overflowing pots, and distracted multitasking can turn dinner into a disaster quickly. Keep flammable items away from the stove, stay in the kitchen when cooking, and remember that water and grease fires do not mix, no matter how stressful the situation feels.
Pro tip from claims files everywhere: if something catches fire, do not panic and do not throw flour on it either. That one shows up more often than you might think.
Online Shopping and Package Theft
December shopping has gone almost entirely digital, which means package theft and online fraud claims are on the rise.
If you are ordering high-value items, try to schedule deliveries when someone is home or ship them to a secure location. Smart doorbells and cameras can help deter theft, but they are not foolproof. Be cautious when shopping through social media ads and unfamiliar websites. If a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is.
Many homeowners policies include personal property coverage that can help if packages are stolen, subject to deductibles and limits. This is a good time to review those details.
Burglaries While Traveling
Holiday travel often means empty homes, and that attracts attention.
We often see burglary claims tied to vacation travel. Simple steps like using timers for lights, locking all doors and windows, holding mail deliveries, and avoiding travel announcements on social media can reduce risk. Jewelry, electronics, and cash are common targets, especially this time of year.
If you own higher-value items, it may be worth reviewing whether additional personal property or scheduled coverage makes sense.
Winter Weather and Storm Damage
While snowstorms may be rare in coastal North Carolina, winter storms still bring heavy rain, strong winds, and freezing temperatures.
Outdoor decorations should be secured properly so they do not become projectiles in high winds. Gutters should be cleared, branches trimmed away from the home, and outdoor pipes insulated. Small maintenance steps now can prevent costly claims later.
Vehicle Theft and Break-Ins
Busy parking lots and distracted shoppers create opportunity for theft.
Lock your vehicle, park in well-lit areas, and keep items out of sight. Even wrapped gifts can be tempting. Many people are surprised to learn that personal property stolen from a vehicle may be covered under their homeowners policy, again subject to limits and deductibles.
Guest Injuries and Liability
Holiday gatherings mean more foot traffic, more clutter, and more risk for slips and falls.
Clear walkways, secure rugs, light outdoor areas, and be careful when decorating high spaces. Liability coverage plays an important role here. If someone is injured on your property, the right coverage can protect you financially and help cover medical costs.
Travel and Stolen Luggage
Airports are busier than ever during the holidays, and luggage theft still happens.
Personal property coverage often extends to belongings while traveling, but understanding your limits is key. Keeping valuables in carry-ons and staying aware at baggage claim can help avoid claims altogether.
Coverage You Can Count On This Season
At Wells Insurance, our goal is not just to help when something goes wrong, but to help you prevent issues before they happen. The right coverage allows you to focus on family, traditions, and enjoying the season, instead of worrying about what could go wrong.
If you have questions about your homeowners, auto, or personal property coverage, or if life changes have happened this year, our team is always happy to review things with you.
