Holiday Scenarios That Can Affect Your Insurance

Holiday Scenarios That Can Affect Your Insurance in TexasIt’s the holiday season, and you have a lot on your mind. Trimming the tree, buying and wrapping the gifts, baking the goodies. Be sure your insurance is up to date so you have one less thing to be concerned about!

Stolen holiday packages

During the holiday season, package delivery is a common phenomenon. If you’re a renter, you probably receive package left at your front door, unless the shipper is requested to leave the package at the front desk. If you have renter’s insurance. your possessions from theft are covered, after you pay your deductible. Renters policies usually cover your belongings, whether your apartment is burglarized, or the items are stolen while you are traveling. If you discover a theft, also notify the shipper along with your insurance agent.

Christmas Trees and Christmas Lights

Old fashioned large bulbs, the incandescent ones do get quite hot. Even the small ones can be dangerous if placed between branches and decorations that hold in the heat. If they get hot enough to ignite, you have a big problem.

Smaller holiday bulbs and LEDs that are more common today and are much safer. They rarely get hot enough to ignite. However, it is good to remember, that all of these lights and light sets run on electricity. If one set is damaged, a few strands of wire may be overloaded. If this happens and the insulation melts, it can get hot enough to start a fire. Broken wires can arc and ignite flammables. Typically, the fuses built into light sets usually prevent short circuits and arcing.

Your homeowner’s insurance covers such damages, but it is better to be safe, not sorry, and prevent it from happening in the first place.

Holiday Parties and Your Insurance

Christmas parties are some of the most favorite, but can easily result in accidents or damages during the festivities. Here are a few scenarios that help explain what is and is not covered under your homeowner’s insurance.

  • You attempt a marshmallow roasting in the fireplace and start a house fire:  You’re covered.
  • Your outdoor display ignites a new bush you just planted and burns it to a crisp: You’re covered.
  • Your pet ferret jumps into your Christmas tree, then the cat chases it and destroys your gifts:  You are NOT covered.
  • You’re burglarized and thieves get away with all your Christmas gifts:  You’re covered.

Remember, while the holidays are a wonderful time of the year to enjoy friends and family, consider the more serious side of protecting your belongings by understanding your renter’s or homeowners insurance.