Home Insurance and Holiday Disasters

In Newsletter Content by Brandon St. Clair

“You’re a mean one Mr. Grinch.” It is unfortunate, but true, that Grinches do exist in our world today. These holiday thieves know that the holiday season is busy and hectic, and we are not always paying as much attention as we need to. This gives these “Grinches” the perfect opportunity to sneak in and take your Christmas gifts even before they are gifted.

In addition to the holiday Grinch, they are also many accidents that can happen, even during the magic of the holiday. We want to make sure you are not worrying about everything that can go wrong, and instead, focusing on all the joy this season brings. We know that you want your home, family, and holidays protected, so you can focus on having fun with your loved ones.

Let us help you make sure your home is fully protected against all potential holiday disasters. Insurance allows you to have peace and joy this season.

TWO HOLIDAY DISASTERS THAT YOUR HOME INSURANCE CAN COVER:

  1. Stolen gifts

Thieves are not picky when it comes to where they will steal from you. Both your car and your home are likely locations of theft this holiday season. In both cases, the goods would likely be covered under your homeowners insurance. If stolen from your house, it would likely be covered under “contents coverage.” If taken from your car, it could fall under “personal property off premises” coverage.

If you are buying expensive gifts, like a diamond ring for example, this would need to be listed on your contents coverage. In this case, you should call your insurance company as soon as possible to report your purchase.

To help prevent theft:

  • Put presents in the trunk of the car during your busy shopping days. Cover with a blanket, so thieves can’t see what they could steal.
  • Always lock your car, even if you’re running into a store “just for a minute.”
  • Keep all receipts from gift purchases.
  • Turn alarm systems on in your home.
  • Keep a few lights on when traveling or out of the house to deter thieves.
  • Hide presents away from windows and doors so they aren’t in view from the street.
  1. Tree fire

It is interesting that the holiday season can also be a potential fire season. These can be caused from cooking more, drier air, candles, dry trees, and overburdened outlets.

Your homeowners insurance can help cover in the case of fire damage. Your dwelling coverage should pay for any repairs to your home, and the contents coverage is there to cover your possessions that were damaged or destroyed. Make sure that your homeowners policy does in fact include fire protection, as some may not.

How to prevent fire:

  • Water your Christmas tree regularly.
  • Unplug or turn off tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed.
  • Check all wires for shorts or fraying.
  • Never use candles on trees or near anything flammable.
  • Always blow out candles before leaving the house.
  • Have fire extinguishers on hand in a convenient, accessible location.

We are here to help to ensure you have an enjoyable holiday season with family and loved ones. Call us for any questions.