The holidays are a time of joy, togetherness, and cheer. However, part of what makes them special also invites accidents. Each year, Americans file countless home insurance claims due to events related to the holidays. Below are some of the most common.

What Incidents Often Occur Over the Holidays?

1. Christmas Tree Fires

Christmas tree fires cause, on average, $10 million per year in property damage. According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), nearly half of the fires are caused by electrical or lighting equipment. In almost a quarter of the events, a heat source like a space heater or candle was left too close to the tree. 

To avoid trouble, always make sure your tree has plenty of water to keep it from drying out. Check each string of light for bare wires before hanging them on the branches. Keep heat sources well away from this decoration, and plug lights and other electrical equipment into a surge protector to guard against short circuits. 

2. Slip & Fall Liability

Ice and snow make walking treacherous. Hanging icicles or an overburdened tree branch can fall and injure a passerby. If you are hosting visitors over the holidays, make certain your walks are shoveled and salted before guests arrive. Remove ice dams from the roof, and trim away dead or dying tree branches before snow falls. If you serve alcoholic beverages, do so with care and make sure your guests drink responsibly to help them keep their balance. Overdoing it can lead to mishaps that result in an insurance claim.

3. Theft

Thieves are often active during the holidays, especially with people leaving their homes to visit relatives or having packages delivered to their stoops. To protect yourself, make sure your yard and porch are well-lighted. If you travel for the season, take precautions to avoid an empty-looking house. Use timers to turn lights and TVs off and on and pause newspaper and postal delivery until you return. Have a trusted neighbor keep an eye on your property.

If you seek quality home insurance, contact the experts at Accredited Insurance Group in Omaha, NE. They sell solid financial products and provide invaluable guidance when designing a policy. Ask them how you can qualify for a bundle discount by purchasing home, renters, or auto insurance from the same provider. As an independent broker, they can search their broad provider network to find you the right coverage at the best price. Learn more about them on their website or call (402) 334-1780 to request a home insurance quote.