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Holidays mean more celebrations and parties. Unfortunately, they also mean more home insurance claims for some people.

There’s nothing worse than having to deal with insurers when you’re supposed to be spending time with your loved ones. And so, here are listed some common homeowners insurance claims and how you can avoid them this holiday season for an uninterrupted time of happiness and love with your friends and family.

Four Most Common Homeowners Insurance Claims You Can Avoid During the Holidays

1. Water Damage

   Many homes tend to get vacant as the holidays get closer, with people traveling across the states to visit family or simply going on vacations. This could result in water damage from freezing or other causes that remain unattended.

   The Insurance Information Institute has found that each year, around 1 in 50 homes have homeowners insurance claims resulting from water damage or freezing. Your insurer will determine whether to totally or partially cover the damages or in rare situations, they may even opt not to cover them at all, depending on the cause of the damage and your policy.

   Here are a few measures to guard against water damage:

   • If you plan to be gone for a long time, turn off all water supply and keep the heat at 60 degrees Fahrenheit on the thermostat.
   • Purchase a water leak-detecting device, such as the Nest or Roost.
   • Gutter cleaning at regular intervals of time and proper attic ventilation installation are both recommended.
   • Consider updating all water supply lines with braided metal tubing to extend their life.

2. Theft

   The approaching holiday season has burglars and criminals on high alert as more people leave their homes unattended to visit relatives or go on vacation. Thefts can occur even when you least anticipate them.

   Therefore, it is advised to take the following steps to raise your security while you are away:

   • Install cameras that monitor all windows and entrances for increased security.
   • Install additional security hardware, such as a ring, at your front door.
   • Invest in a personal safe for your valuables, such as precious jewelry and any weapons.
   • Inform your insurance agent of any newly acquired assets and valuables so that they might be protected under your policy.

3. Fire

   Although the majority of people believe that dry Christmas trees are the main cause of most house fire claims, that is far from the truth. In fact, candle lighting is the primary cause of home fires during the holiday season.

   The National Fire Protection Association reports that there are about 23 house candle fires per day. Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day are the three days when candle fires occur most frequently.

   Here are some tips for avoiding fire hazards claims throughout the festive season:

   • Check your smoke alarms to ensure they are functioning properly.
   • Never leave a fire source, such as a candle, unattended. When leaving the room or retiring to bed, make sure to snuff out all of your candles.
   • Keep your candles safely away from anything that could catch fire, especially Christmas trees, and keep them out of the reach of children and pets.

4. Bodily Injury Liability

   Whether you hire outside help for Christmas decorations or simply have a large party on your property for your family, friends, and acquaintances, you must be prepared for any bodily injury claims that may arise. Make sure you are aware of the risks and have a homeowners policy with adequate liability coverage to protect you.

   However, the following are some steps you can take to safeguard visitors to your property against harm:

   • To reduce the risk of bites at house parties or family gatherings, consider distancing your pets from your guests.
   • Make sure your property’s driveway, sidewalks, and porch are shoveled and salted.
   • Hire bartenders and serve meals instead of serving booze to reduce alcohol liability.

Cover Yourself Against All Homeowners Claims with Massive Insurance & Financial Services

Contact our professionals here at Massive Insurance & Financial Services to get the perfect homeowners policy for you today for smooth and stress-free celebrations this holiday season. We will let you know how your current policy can support you if you need to file a claim.