The holiday season brings joy of gatherings, delicious meals, and the excitement of gift giving. They also introduce unique risks to your home and property. As your trusted insurance agent, we understand how important it is to protect what you cherish most. Whether you are hosting family, traveling to visit loved ones, or securing holiday gifts, here are some tips to protect your property during the holiday season.
Secure Your Home While Traveling
If you are traveling this holiday season, take steps to make your home appear occupied and secure. Set timers on indoor and outdoor lights, ensure all windows and doors are locked, and consider a security system if you do not have one. Let a neighbor know you will be away so they can keep an eye on things. In case of a break-in, your homeowner’s insurance may cover stolen items and potential property damage, but a little prevention can go a long way. Turn the water supply off to your home, which can help prevent costly repairs if something breaks or leaks while you are away.
Fire Safety Precautions in the Kitchen and Around the Home
The Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons see a spike in home fires, often due to holiday cooking. If you are deep-frying a turkey, do it safely away from the house, and never leave the fryer unattended. Christmas decorations, especially candles and string lights, can also pose a fire risk. Make sure you have working smoke detectors, and that there are not too many plugs in one outlet. If an accidental fire does occur, your homeowner’s insurance will typically cover the damage. Knowing your coverage limits can help you feel more secure while cooking and celebrating with family.
Protect High-Value Holiday Gifts
The holidays often mean high-value purchases like electronics, jewelry, or other special gifts. Standard homeowners’ insurance can provide coverage for these items, but coverage may be limited. You may want additional protection through a rider or floater policy. This way, you can ensure that holiday gifts are covered against theft or damage. Taking inventory of new purchases and updating your policy as needed will help protect your holiday investments.
Consider Umbrella Insurance for Extra Liability Protection
Holiday gatherings also mean extra guests, which increases liability risk, such as slip-and-fall accidents. An umbrella policy provides an added layer of liability coverage beyond what your homeowners insurance offers, making it a smart choice if you are hosting this season. Whether it’s a guest injury on your icy driveway or an unexpected accident, an umbrella policy can offer peace of mind, knowing you’re covered in case of major incidents. If you are hosting a party elsewhere, consider an event policy to protect yourself.
Review Your Policies Before the New Year
Finally, the holiday season is a perfect time for an end-of-year insurance review. Look over your homeowners, auto, and any additional policies to ensure you are adequately protected for the upcoming year. Confirm that your coverage aligns with any changes in your property, new valuables, or travel plans. By taking these steps, you will not only safeguard your home and belongings but enter the new year with one less thing to worry about.
By following these essential holiday insurance tips, you can focus on what truly matters this season: enjoying time with family and friends, knowing your home and valuables are well-protected.
The holidays should be a time of joy and peace of mind. Don’t leave your home and valuables at risk! Contact us today to review or update your home insurance coverage.