Ensure holiday cheer by helping your policyholders avoid Christmas catastrophes

By Bill Martin

The holiday season gifts insurers with an influx of property claims. Christmas tree fires alone cause $14 million in property damages yearly, with gifts under the tree rarely surviving intact. Additionally, 18% of Americans have had their gift-containing packages stolen during the holidays, the loss of which is not always recoverable and usually below the deductible. It’s easy to get swept up in the holiday cheer and forget about simple safety, but insurance can only help offset financial damage, and doesn’t come close to fixing the pain and emotional upset of a loss.

Agents can skate through the season by helping clients have a safe and claim-free Christmas. Show you are a resource to them — not just who they contact to process claims or pay policy bills. Active communication with clients improves customer satisfaction and retention while mitigating risk.

Shopping sites with Grinchy viruses, Scrooge-like black ice or a holiday ham that ignites a fire are our worst fears. Share tips and coverage advice to policyholders enjoy a safe and happy holiday.

Spark joy, not flames, by fireproofing holiday festivities

I put candles in my windows for Christmas. However, when I found out that 11% of yearly candle fires happen during the month of December, I switched to battery-operated candles.

Homeowners insurance partially reimburses for loss from fire damage to structures and personal belongings. Even so, no one wants to spend Christmas morning filing a claim. Remind homeowners of the following fire safety tips, and avoid the paperwork:

Check that your fire extinguisher is full and working.
Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Set cooking timers to be aware of items in the oven and on the stovetop.
Turn off any appliances that are not in use or while you are away from home.
Place lit candles on a stable surface and away from flammable items.
Extinguish flames during the daytime, before leaving your house and before taking a cold winter’s nap.
Keep live trees watered and away from heat sources.
Schedule a chimney maintenance inspection and cleaning and pretend Dick Van Dyke is there.
Inspect Christmas light bulbs before plugging them in. No frayed cords or loose, broken bulbs!
Unlike Clark Griswold, unplug any lights before leaving the house or going to sleep.

Avoid icy insurance claims this white Christmas

Bing Crosby loves a white Christmas, but even Danny Kaye should avoid pratfalls on slippery walkways. Before hosting a holiday gathering, clear walking paths and driveways of snow. Spread sand for traction. Urge extra care in shoveling and sanding steps. Double check that any railings are secure. If a guest is injured in an accident on your property, homeowners can be held liable for medical payments and pain and suffering for injuries. Homeowners policies include liability coverage, which helps to pay for bodily injury or property damage you are found responsible for. This includes accidents caused by those who drink while on your property. Medical payments coverage assists in paying for health care after injuries that occur on your property — no matter who is at fault.

Beyond slips and falls, remind policyholders to clear out their gutters before snowfall. Knock any wet, heavy snow off tree branches that hang near roofs. Clear the roofs of snow or ice buildup - dangerous ice dams will cause rain to fall on your celebration. Heavy snow can break branches and cause damage to your roof. While shoveling, salting, sanding and roof maintenance may not be everyone’s idea of a holiday activity, such preparations will prevent a major headache during the holiday season.

Not everyone is spreading cheer — some are stealing it

In 2021, an estimated $130.5 million was lost to holiday burglaries. When shipping and receiving deliveries from friends and family, some homeowners leave the door unlocked for pickups or deliveries. Instead, they receive unexpected guests. Remind your clients exactly what their policy covers. Not every situation is covered by personal property coverage. How do your clients prevent a theft claim?

Policyholders should lock their doors and arm the alarm system if they have one. Require signatures on pickup or delivery of a package, or have a trusted person pick them up if they are out of town. Leaving a light on can also assist in deterring potential thieves. Or hire McCauley Culkin.

While this may all seem like common knowledge, a busy and rushed holiday season can distract us. Reminders like these can show you care about your policyholders. It’s a wonderful life, don’t let an insurance claim interrupt it.

Bill Martin is president and CEO, Plymouth Rock Home Assurance. Contact him at [email protected].