On the first day of Christmas, I had to make a claim…

Twelve risks of Christmas

It may be said to be the most wonderful time of the year, but Christmastime comes with a whole host of risks. We take a look at twelve of the most common perils this festive period.

1. Slips, trips and falls in icy and snowy conditions

With the cold and snowy weather over the winter season, slips and falls are a common risk. Minimise the chances of you or someone else falling over by clearing snow from around your property before it turns to slush and ice, and put down salt and grit to prevent areas from freezing.

2. Property break-ins

Christmas means that a lot of us will be buying gifts for our loved ones, which in turn makes our homes even more of an attractive target for thieves. Keep your gifts locked away until it’s time to share them, and if you’ve got anything expensive such as jewellery, make sure your insurer is informed of the change in your contents.

3. Fires from fairy lights, candles, overloaded sockets

They may look pretty, but fairy lights and candles can be dangerous if misused. Make sure you’re using them responsibly and don’t overload sockets with too many plugs. Don’t leave lit candles unattended, and make sure cables for fairy lights are tucked away to prevent them being a tripping hazard. Regularly check your lights to make sure they are still working properly and replace any blown bulbs.

4. Frozen pipes

Frozen pipes are a big risk over winter, especially if you’re heading off on a holiday for the Christmas season. If your house is going to be unoccupied, keep your heating on a low level to help prevent your pipes from freezing, and make sure your pipes and water tanks are well insulated.

5. Cybercrime when shopping online

Buying online means Christmas shopping has never been easier. But unlike shopping in-store, shopping online comes with the risk of cybercrime - scammers and hackers looking to steal your information and your money. Make sure you’re only buying from trusted websites and don’t click on any suspicious-looking emails, even if they’re advertising a great offer. Often, it really is too good to be true.

6. Vehicle damage in adverse weather

Ice on the road can easily lead to damage to your car - take extra care when driving and make sure to scrape and wipe your windows entirely clear of ice and mist before you set off. If you’re involved in an accident, contact your insurer as quickly as possible, with scene photos and any receipts for tow fees or repairs.

7. Roof damage

Before Santa and his reindeer land on your roof this winter, it’s important to make sure your roof is in tip-top condition to minimise damage or the chance of injury - stormy weather can lead to loose tiles and bricks, and snow can build up on your roof, increasing the risk of collapse. Ice dams are also a real risk this time of year, being formed after heavy snowfall with lights or garlands preventing the melting water from running off. The pooling water builds up under the shingles until it penetrates your home - the last thing you want to be dealing with at Christmas.

8. Travel risk

Planning a Christmas getaway? There’s a risk that flights and trains may be cancelled due to adverse weather. If you’re planning to partake in some winter sports, make sure your insurance covers you for this - many people travel over Christmas without adequate travel insurance, so make sure you’re covered even if the worst happens.

9. Water damage

During these colder months, watch out for melting ice and snow on your roof, as well as frozen pipes, which if they burst could cause damage to your property. Check your gutters and drains to clear them of foliage in case of heavy rain, which can cause flooding.

10. Overexcited pets

It’s a fun time of year for us all, including our beloved furry friends. But an overexcited cat or dog can easily mean a fallen Christmas tree or chewed cables. Consider tucking cables away and hiding them with pet-proof covers to prevent pets breaking them. Keep your pets inside on New Year’s Eve when they may be scared by festive fireworks.

11. Beware of the Christmas Tree

Putting up your Christmas tree can come with its own share of risks. Try to put up your tree away from expensive items such as your TV so you don’t knock them over in the process. Keep it away from candles and the fireplace so it doesn’t accidentally catch fire.

12. Accidental damage

With this being such a busy time of year, accidental damage may occur, even if you take the utmost care to avoid it. Whether it’s guests spilling wine on the carpet or kids accidentally pulling down the Christmas tree, it’s worth adding accidental damage cover to your home insurance policy to give you peace of mind - your contents insurance won’t necessarily cover this so you may need to check with your insurer to see what’s included.

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About the author

James Cooper is a respected industry leader with around 10 years' experience in the home and property insurance sector. He works across a broad range of insurance product and policy development and delivery, including product development; customer sales and marketing; and P&L accountability.

Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems, we recommend that professional advice be sought.