A Handy Home Insurance Holiday Checklist

Don't Let A Homeowners Insurance Mishap Ruin The Holidays

By Meha Ahmad, InsuranceAgents.com Staff Writer

This Christmas, don't let yourself be blindsided by unexpected homeowners insurance disasters. It's a time for family and good times, and shouldn't be ruined just because you didn't foresee a holiday-related mishap that could cost you on your homeowners insurance. For low-cost homeowners insurance, homeowners should take safety precautions, especially during the holiday season. They can also compare multiple home insurance quotes .  Compare rates free with our online form.

Insurers see a high volume of homeowners insurance claims during the holiday season. And the more high-cost claims a policyholder makes, the higher their homeowners insurance premiums will be. But the best defense is a good offense. By taking precautions and extra care this holiday season, you can avoid major loss and having to file unnecessary homeowners insurance claims.

Checklist of Homeowners Insurance Disasters To Prevent

Here is a checklist of incidents this Christmas that can wreak havoc when it comes to your homeowners insurance:

1. House fires from candles or dinner - You'd be surprised how much home fires increase during the holiday season. Fairy lights, candles, decorations and that big Christmas dinner are staples of the holiday, but let's not get carried away. Lit candles and flammable decorations are just a major homeowners insurance claim waiting to happen. Furthermore, be extra careful with that Christmas dinner and NEVER leave anything cooking unattended. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
2. Flooding from heavy rainfall - Depending on which climatic region you live in, flooding can be a point of concern for many homeowners insurance policyholders. Winter is a time of heavy precipitation and you should know if flooding is a possibility. Especially since flood coverage is not included in standard homeowners insurance policies. If you want this coverage, be sure to tell your homeowners insurance agent to add it.
3. You've been robbed! - Why bother with long lines at the mall when a thief can just quietly pick all the goodies from underneath your tree? Burglary-related homeowners insurance claims increase during Christmastime due to the excess of high-value goods in homes and because many families leave home empty and go on Christmas vacations. To prevent being robbed and having to file a homeowners insurance claim, invest in dead bolt locks, a certified alarm system, and motion-sensitive lawn lighting. Those steps will even help lower homeowners insurance premiums!
4. Décor catches on fire, or injures guests - Are those stocking above the fireplace flame retardant? Are the heavier decorative items secured tightly? Do any of the decorations drape, particularly near flames, or are any long enough to trip on? The Christmas atmosphere is enhanced with the just-perfect decorations, but make sure you've taken steps to prevent homeowners insurance claims for liability or other damage.
5. Liability issues: Someone is hurt and it's all your responsibility - Christmas is a time for family and friends to gather and celebrate. But with all those people in your home, are you sure your homeowners insurance policy carries enough liability coverage to take care of any and all medical and legal expenses if anyone is hurt? Or if their property is damaged (all those expensive presents may also be your responsibility)? If necessary, you can include additional liability coverage on your homeowners insurance policy, even if it's just temporary and for the Christmas holiday.

Adding addtional coverage or combining coverages like auto insurance with home insurance can save you in excess of 30% on one policy and 10% on the other.  That's a 40% overall savings.  Check out top car insurance companies in your area and see if they match your home insurance company.  You could be missing out on top savings.

Christmas isn't a time to wrestle with your homeowners insurance provider. It's a time for fun, merriment and celebrating with family and friends. So to ensure a memorable Christmas, take precautions to avoid having to file a homeowners insurance claim, and include additional coverage on your homeowners insurance policy just in case a situation arises that you couldn't avoid. Talk to your home insurance agent for more help. 

Published: Friday 18th December 2009