Holiday Accidents: What Will Your Home Insurance Cover?

Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and gathering with loved ones, but it’s also a season when accidents and mishaps can occur. From kitchen fires to burst pipes, the holiday season poses unique risks to your home. Understanding what your home insurance covers—and what it doesn’t—can help you stay prepared for the unexpected.

Common Christmas Mishaps

Fire Hazards
Holiday candles, overloaded electrical outlets, and faulty Christmas lights are leading causes of fires during the festive season. December often sees a spike in residential fires, often stemming from festive decorations.

Water Damage
Frozen pipes are a major concern in winter. A sudden drop in temperature can cause pipes to burst, leading to water damage just as you’re carving the turkey.

Theft or Vandalism
With homes full of gifts and many families traveling during the holidays, Christmas can unfortunately be a peak season for burglaries. Unsecured homes can be easy targets for thieves.

Accidents in the Home
Slips, trips, and falls often increase during the holidays due to clutter, icy pathways, and even mishaps while setting up decorations.

What Your Home Insurance Typically Covers

Most standard home insurance policies will provide coverage for the following scenarios:

Fire Damage
If a fire caused by faulty Christmas lights or other sources damages your home, your policy should cover the cost of repairs to the structure and replacement of personal belongings.

Water Damage from Burst Pipes
Insurance generally covers damage caused by burst pipes, provided you’ve taken reasonable steps to prevent freezing, such as keeping the heating on or insulating your pipes.

Theft or Vandalism
If gifts or valuables are stolen during a break-in, your policy should reimburse you for their value, up to your policy limit. Structural damage caused by the break-in is also typically covered.

Liability for Accidents
If a guest is injured in your home—slipping on an icy driveway, for example—your personal liability coverage can help pay for their medical bills or legal expenses.

What Home Insurance Might Not Cover

Neglect or Lack of Maintenance
If water damage results from pipes that burst because you didn’t take precautions (e.g., leaving the heat off during freezing weather), your claim might be denied.

Expensive Gifts Beyond Policy Limits
Most policies have limits on the amount they’ll pay for stolen or damaged valuables like jewelry, electronics, or high-end gifts. Consider additional coverage for pricey items.

Acts of Gross Negligence
If a fire starts because you left candles unattended or overloaded an outlet, your insurer might argue that negligence led to the damage and deny your claim.

Accidental Damage Cover as an Add-On

Accidental damage is a common cause of festive frustrations, from wine spilled on carpets to broken televisions caused by an enthusiastic game of charades. While these mishaps can be costly, standard home insurance policies typically don’t cover accidental damage unless you’ve added it as an extra.

What Accidental Damage Cover Can Protect:

Home Contents: Includes items like TVs, laptops, and furniture accidentally damaged by spills, drops, or mishaps.
Building Structure: Covers unintentional damage to your home's structure, such as a DIY disaster while hanging Christmas lights or damage caused by accidentally knocking over a ladder.

What Accidental Damage Might Not Cover:

Wear and Tear: Damage from general wear and tear, such as aging decorations or appliances, won’t be covered.
Intentional Damage: If the damage is deliberate, your claim will likely be denied.
Adding accidental damage cover to your policy is often affordable and can save significant costs if something goes wrong. It’s worth considering this add-on, particularly during a season when accidents tend to increase.

Tips to Protect Your Home This Christmas

Inspect Your Decorations: Check lights for frayed wires and avoid overloading electrical outlets.
Secure Your Home: Use smart security systems, lock doors and windows, and avoid advertising your travel plans on social media.
Prevent Water Damage: Insulate pipes, leave heating on low if traveling, and know where your stopcock is located.
Organize and De-clutter: Keep pathways clear and ensure decorations are safely secured to avoid trips or falls.

While home insurance can provide peace of mind, understanding the scope of your policy is key to avoiding surprises during the claims process. Review your policy annually, especially before the holidays, and consider adding optional covers like accidental damage. With a little preparation, you can enjoy a safer, more secure Christmas season.