The holiday season brings joy, gatherings, and celebration — but also a blur of activities that create household risks. Fires, guest injuries, theft, and even auto accidents tend to increase this time of year. Many of these incidents result in homeowners insurance claims. This report aims to help you stay informed about holiday liability risks and take simple steps to avoid them.
So, what holiday activities increase your risk of a homeowners insurance claim? The short answer: almost anything that mixes people, decorations, and distractions. Hosting, decorating, and traveling all introduce unique exposures such as slip-and-fall accidents, fire hazards from decorations, and increased risk of car accidents due to holiday traffic. However, the right coverage and precautions can keep the holidays merry and bright.
Hosting the Holidays: How Entertaining Increases Liability
Opening your home to friends and family can quickly expand your liability risk. Even small gatherings bring potential for accidents — spilled drinks, broken ornaments, and crowded kitchens are part of the season. However, if a guest slips on ice, trips over decorations, or gets burned while helping with dinner, the financial impact could be severe.
Liability coverage within your homeowners policy helps pay medical bills or legal fees if someone is injured on your property. It’s one of the most important protections you have as a host.
Alcohol complicates things. If a guest leaves your party intoxicated and causes an accident, you could face liability claims. Some states, including Connecticut, allow lawsuits against hosts in these situations under “social host liability” laws, which hold the host responsible for the actions of their intoxicated guests. A personal umbrella policy offers extra coverage beyond standard homeowners limits — often for just a few hundred dollars per year.
Hosting Safety Tips
- Keep walkways, steps, and entryways in good repair and clear of ice and clutter.
- Ensure your home and yard are well-lit to prevent trips and falls.
- Avoid open flames in the vicinity of guests or children.
- Limit alcohol service, and ensure that guests have a safe means of transportation home.
Decking the Halls Safely: Avoiding Fire and Decoration Disasters
Decorations set the mood, but they also top the list of holiday hazards. According to the National Fire Protection Association, candles cause half of all home decoration fires in December. Electrical overloads and dried-out Christmas trees add to the danger.
Other causes of holiday fires include:
- Frayed or overloaded extension cords
- Real trees left unwatered and near heat sources
- Fires left burning unattended in fireplaces
- Damaged light strings or plug adapters
Homeowners insurance can help cover fire or smoke damage, but prevention is far less costly. The National Safety Council offers detailed holiday safety guidelines that every family should review.
Decoration Safety Tips
- Inspect light strings for damage before use.
- Use timers to turn off lights automatically.
- Keep trees watered and away from vents or fireplaces, and remove them promptly once they become dry.
- Blow out all candles before leaving a room or going to bed.
A little caution keeps your decor dazzling, not dangerous.
On the Road and Online: Auto and Package-Related Holiday Risks
Holiday travel brings crowded roads and parking lots. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that December sees some of the highest rates of impaired-driving crashes each year. Increased delivery traffic and distracted drivers only add to the chaos.
Your auto insurance policy can help if you’re involved in a collision or if your vehicle is damaged while parked. Review your coverage limits for collision and comprehensive protection before hitting the road.
Safe Driving Reminders
- Never drive impaired or ride with anyone who has been drinking.
- Allow extra time for travel and weather delays.
- Park in well-lit areas, and lock vehicles when shopping.
- When possible, park in such a way that when you leave, you just go forward, to avoid backing out accidents.
Holiday risk isn’t limited to the road. Package theft rises sharply in December, and porch piracy can affect homeowners and renters alike. Many homeowners or renters policies cover stolen deliveries, but filing a claim may not always be worth it for minor losses. Smart doorbells, secure drop boxes, and delivery alerts can help deter theft.
Wrapping Up the Season With Peace of Mind
The holidays should be about connection, not concern. Reviewing your insurance policies before the season begins ensures that if something goes wrong, you’re covered. A quick coverage check can confirm whether your limits, deductibles, and endorsements still match your current needs.
An independent agent at Brooks, Todd & McNeil can walk you through your policies, explain your liability options, and recommend ways to strengthen protection before guests arrive or travel begins. Reach out today to ensure your coverage is ready for the upcoming season, so you can focus on what matters most: family, friends, and the memories you’ll make together.
About Brooks, Todd & McNeil
Since 1839, the independent agents at Brooks, Todd & McNeil have been pleased to offer our community several different kinds of policies from a variety of providers. To learn more about our products and services, contact us today at (800) 448-4567.