The holiday season is nearly upon us!
As the year races to a close, we hurry to meet deadlines at work, respond to group chats about friendsgiving dinners, and perform the juggling act of family events, school activities, and everyday life. But, despite the stress, it’s always a magical time. After all, if there’s one thing we’re known for in Louisiana, it’s how to have a good time.
We fill our homes with more family and friends than chairs, and enough boudin balls, gumbo, and sweets to feed a small army. But, before you soak it all in, double check your insurance coverage. No one wants their Merry Little Christmas to be ruined with a burst pipe or a fried turkey gone wrong.
Keep these common holiday insurance pitfalls in mind as you spread some holiday cheer.
1. Twinkling Lights Gone Wild
Nothing says holiday spirit like a house full of light, right? Maybe this is the year you finally ordered that gorgeous -extensive- light display for your lawn. You’ve filled the house with pine scented candles and trimmed the stairwell with garland and twinkling lights. It’s a verifiable winter wonderland. But, between that Christmas tree that’s begging for a cup of water, and those vintage lights that get hotter than Aunt Debbie after her third glass of wine, things can get a little dicey.
Watch Out: Electrical overloads, unattended candles, and dry trees are a fire hazard waiting to happen. A small spark can lead to a chestnuts roasting on an open fire in your home situation in less time than you would think.
Pro Tip: Make sure your home insurance covers fire damage. But, prevention is always key. Double check those cords and decorations for faulty wires and cracked glass. Avoid leaving lights on overnight or when you’re out of the house, and remember to keep real trees hydrated. You’ll thank yourself when your holiday doesn’t turn into an impromptu bonfire.
2. Holiday Travel Woes
Have you been dreaming of a white Christmas? If you’re jetting off in favor of cooler temps and spending snowy days with your loved ones, the last thing you want to worry about is your house. Amazon prime is so convenient until a potential thief starts eyeing that pile of packages by the door – or even sneaking in for a silent night after which everything will certainly not be calm or bright. And, we haven’t even touched on the possibility of misplaced or lost luggage.
Watch Out: Leaving your home unattended during travel increases the risk of break-ins. If you can, ask a neighbor or a trusted friend to check in on things or housesit if they’re able.
Pro Tip: Check if your insurance policy covers theft while you’re away and consider upping your personal property coverage if needed. As for your travels, ensure your belongings are protected by travel insurance – it can save your holidays if you and your luggage part ways at the airport.
3. Party Foul
Hosting the big holiday party this year? You’ve got the halls decked with holly, the spiked eggnog, and that one cousin who insists on using your living room as a dance floor. It’s all fun and games until someone accidentally falls onto your grandmother’s antique cypress coffee table or the kids get a little too wild on the trampoline.
Watch Out: Damage or injuries at a party can lead to costly repairs and medical bills – not exactly the gifts you were hoping to give out this year.
Pro Tip: Check your liability coverage. Homeowners’ insurance often covers guest injuries, but higher-risk activities (like trampolines, backyard bonfires and fireworks, bounce houses, and alcohol related incidents) may call for additional coverage. We know how to have a good time in Louisiana, but remember that if you serve alcohol at your party, you could be held liable if a guest has too much and gets hurt or causes harm to someone else. Keeping the punch mild might help, too.
4. ‘Tis the Season for Presents and Protection
So, you’ve got the hottest new tech gadgets, some diamond earrings, and maybe even a designer handbag under the tree. Those gifts are looking pretty– but they’re also a tad vulnerable if anything were to happen. Especially if you’re a decorator who loves placing the tree in front of a window.
Watch Out: Expensive gifts can get damaged, lost, or even swiped if there’s a holiday mishap. And these big-ticket items aren’t always automatically covered under a basic homeowner’s policy.
Pro Tip: Check your personal property limits and add special coverage for higher-priced items like jewelry. You need to look at these purchases like an investment, and with insurance, you can protect your assets. Adding these high-value items ensures you won’t be left out in the cold if your gifts go missing or get damaged.
Let’s Wrap It All Up
The holidays are all about the unexpected and reveling in the moment, but with a little prep and help from Henry Insurance, you can keep the surprises and insurance claims to a minimum. Our team at Henry Insurance is here to help you navigate your concerns, review your policy and make sure you’re covered – so you can focus on the festivities.
