- There are 3 main components to homeowners insurance: dwelling coverage, personal property coverage, and personal liability coverage. As we prepare to stuff the turkey and deck the halls, homeowners should make sure to avoid common mistakes that cause claims during the holidays. Holiday insurance claims tend to be caused by homeowners themselves. cooking accidents are the most common claims filed during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Here are some common claims you can easily avoid.
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1. Fire hazards
A dry Christmas tree is a fire hazard. Make sure you have a sturdy base to avoid a tipping hazard. If you decorate a tree with candles, don't light the candles. If you are lighting a menorah, have it in a safe place.Homeowners insurance offers protection against fire damage, but prevention is better than having to file a claim for something that was avoidable. If your home is damaged by fire, homeowners insurance repairs or rebuilds the structure under dwelling coverage. If your belongings are damaged, they are replaced under personal property coverage.
2. Accidents and electrical hazards
Be careful using a ladder or staple gun to secure decorations. Make sure the ladder is stable. Use care securing electrical cords and wires with a staple gun, because improper usage can cause electrical related accidents. Although homeowners insurance offers personal liability coverage if a guest is injured on your property, it doesn't cover you or your household. You will need medical insurance to cover injuries for yourself and household members.
3. Injuries
Homeowners insurance offers personal liability coverage if someone is injured on your property. Unstable roof decorations fall on people. Be careful attaching lights to gutters, because the gutters can fall with too much weight. Be sure to properly anchor decorations so a strong wind doesn't blow them away or knock them down.
4. Online shopping
Many homeowners insurance policies offer coverage for cyber exposure, also referred to as identity theft coverage. If your homeowners insurance doesn't include coverage for cyber exposure, it may be optional coverage that you can add on. Package theft from your property is usually covered under personal property coverage.
As you prepare for the holiday season and practice social distancing, make sure your home, guests, and gifts are protected. If you are concerned whether you have proper coverage, contact your homeowners insurance agent and discuss your coverage before you need to make a claim.