Christmas Claims – Most Common Insurance Claims Around The Holidays

The most wonderful time of the year is quickly approaching. Days are filled with cheery Christmas music, shopping for gifts, and maybe even seeing your loved ones. But the holidays can also be a stressful time filled with hazards. We are unwrapping some common Christmas insurance claims to help prepare you this holiday season! Stay off your insurance companies ‘naughty list’ by following these holiday safety tips:

1) Christmas Party
Hosting an employee holiday party is generally a way for employers to thank their employees for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. Some companies are opting for an in-person holiday party this year, while others still prefer to either cancel it altogether or go virtual. If your company does host an in-person event, one of the most common claims to consider is your liability risk. The most common liability risk involves drinking/smoking marijuana and driving. If the office party is being hosted at your home, you are legally responsible for the safety of the patrons. One way to mitigate this risk is to host the party at a venue or restaurant, where the onus of responsibility shifts to the restaurant/venue that will have liability coverage already in place. Another solution is to provide taxi vouchers or Uber credits.

If you are planning your office holiday party, it is important to speak with your insurance broker in advance to ensure you have the liability insurance coverage required. In addition, you can discuss and ask questions regarding policy limitations, exclusions, and conditions. Your broker will be able to assist you in selecting the appropriate coverage for your special holiday event, should you require it.

2) Auto
Winter is beautiful when you are sitting next to a cozy fire and staying home. But if you need to drive, it can quickly become a dangerous scenario. During a winter storm, your best bet is to stay home.

*Did you know, we send out weather alerts to our clients based on local advisories?

If you must travel, please drive according to the weather conditions, and stay alert! Do not text and drive, set down the cup of coffee or snack, and stay focused. Beyond distracted driving, impaired auto-related crashes are at an all-time high during Christmas. Please do NOT drink and drive and plan an alternative way to get home or stay the night instead.

Another way to avoid an auto insurance claim this season is to ensure your vehicle is prepared for winter driving. This includes topping up your windshield fluid, installing snow tires, having a winter safety kit in your car, and properly clearing snow from the entire vehicle before hitting the road.

3) Home
There is nothing more nostalgic than the smell of the pines of a real Christmas tree. If you are celebrating the season with a real tree, ensure they are kept well watered and not placed in front of a heat source. Shut off the lights and electronic ornaments when not at home or out of the room for a prolonged period. Drying trees can lead to a total fire loss of your home in less than 3 minutes!
Fires are a common insurance claim around this time of year as they can be caused by multiple factors! Candles, flammable items next to open fires, and cooking are all holiday hazards. Never leave a candle, or the stove unattended in a room, and always keep a fire extinguisher handy nearby.

Finally, lock your home in the evenings. It’s a sad but true reality that there are some Grinch’s out there who burglarize. Do not display wrapped or unwrapped gifts near open windows. When goods are visible, the home can be a greater target. When you need to leave your house, set your alarm if your home is equipped with one. Don’t have an alarm system? Installing a home security system can save you money on your monthly home insurance premium!

4) Gift Buying
The Christmas spirit truly is about giving. Many of us love finding that special gift and can’t wait to see our friends and family open it. Unfortunately, the shopping season is ideal for identity theft or fraud. Make sure to keep track of all credit card and debit card receipts, and shred them. To maintain control of your personal information, restrict all gift purchases to only one credit card and reconcile your charges against your receipts. For online shopping, ensure that your antivirus and malware are current and up to date, and don’t purchase anything from a suspicious-looking website.

For any gifts delivered to your home, do not leave them unattended at the doorstep. Porch pirates have become a new phenomenon since COVID-19 hit, and the holidays are no exception.