By John Healy of Healy Insurances

Each year hundreds of home insurance claims are caused by unusual Christmas mishaps.

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Some of the most common claims are cracked television sets knocked over when putting up or taking down decorations, cooker fires and of course weather events such as storms, snow and ice. However, there are some more unusual and quirky instances also such as
candle fires; we all tend to light more candles at Christmas time. Claims such as centrepieces burning dining tables and wax spilling on new carpets occur more often over Christmas.

Overwatering Christmas trees; many claims occur after carpets and floors have been stained or damaged by water from real Christmas trees. The damage usually only becomes apparent in January.

Feet through ceilings; that trip to the attic can be a dangerous pursuit. Each year before and after Christmas, people venture up to the attic to get their decorations down. Several claims are lodged annually where people accidental step between the joists in their attics and put a foot through the floor, damaging the ceiling of the room below. Your home insurance policy should have “accidental damage” included to cover this event.

Destroyed cookers; Christmas has a higher instance of damaged cookers, pans, and pots catching fire.

Spilled wine glasses; a common incident at this time of year. Damage can be to carpets or furniture, most insurers will cover this if “accidental damage” cover is included.

Losing jewellery; many insurers report festive claims occur when items are accidentally thrown out with discarded wrapping paper. The items included earrings and hearing aids.

Stay safe and have a peaceful, relaxing and happy Christmas.