It’s that time of the season. The time for holiday shopping, putting up the twinkle lights, and inviting family and friends over for a big festive feast. But are you sure your home is ready for a party like that? Do you have enough homeowners insurance to cover any mishaps?
No one wants to a perfectly good party to go to waste, but the holidays are busy season for insurers and when they see an influx of home insurance claims. This is mostly due to home fires—from dangerous décor or forgotten holiday dinners—or liability issues, if someone is hurt or their property damaged in your home.
Before opening your door to a dozen cousins, aunts and uncles, make sure your home is ready and safe. Not only could there be mishaps that ruin the night, but a load of claims will just make your home insurance rates go up, if the policy even covers all of the claims to begin with.
First homeowners should protect against home fires. The holidays are full of lit candles and flammable decorations, so be sure to practice extra caution. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
Also, make sure that your home is protected against holiday burglars. Invest in deadbolts, a home security system, extra lighting—(a well-lit property is not a burglar’s friend)—and keep your Christmas presents hidden away (because they’ll probably try to steal your teenager’s new laptop or wife’s diamond bracelet first).
Guests can pose a huge liability risk around the holiday seasons. Make sure there is additional liability coverage on your policy—even if it’s just temporary for the holidays—to cover any and all medical and legal expenses or property damage.
The holidays are like a vacation, a time to relax and enjoy yourself. Don’t let home insurance mishaps ruin the festivities.
