Have Yourself a Merry Insured Christmas

Christmas is a time for togetherness, food, fun and, sometimes, a little bit of chaos… Whether it's a slip up with the turkey or a skid on the road, Christmas can bring unexpected surprises that may have you wondering: am I covered for this? Here are some common Christmas mishaps and why having the right insurance policies in place mean you can enjoy the festivities knowing you’re protected from any yuletide catastrophe.

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire

Flickering flames always add a cosy touch, but did you know Christmas Day sees a spike in home insurance claims? Fires caused by unattended candles, overloaded sockets or rogue sparks from the fireplace are common, and fairy lights, paper hats and decorations can all be fire hazards. Make sure your home insurance is up to date and includes accidental damage.

Oh, Christmas Tree!

Your tree might look stunning, but it can cause surprising risks, from being a fire hazard (dry trees and electrical lights don’t mix. Ensure your tree stays hydrated!), to toppling over - leading to broken decorations, scratched floors or even injury. Once again, check if your contents insurance covers accidental damage.

Gift mishaps unwrapped

Broken gifts on Christmas morning can be a disaster, but if little Timmy accidentally drops his brand-new gadget, it needn’t cause too many tears, as accidental damage cover could step in. And if you didn’t get that package you ordered online? Some home insurance policies cover lost or stolen parcels.

Turkey trauma

Cooking Christmas dinner is a high-stakes operation. With multiple pots boiling, pans sizzling and the clock ticking, accidents are bound to happen. From burnt counters to overflowing sinks, your home insurance might have to come to the rescue this Christmas.

Unwelcome Christmas visitors

The number of burglaries tends to increase in January. This may be due to the darker nights, making break-ins less detectable, but also due to the richer pickings that Christmas brings in terms of presents and cash laying around the house. Make sure your home and contents policy is up to scratch, keep gifts out of sight and consider investing in an alarm system.

Christmas on the beach

For some, there’s a temptation to escape Christmas in the UK and head to sunnier climes for the holiday, but don’t forget your travel insurance! The Foreign Office estimates that if you’re not properly insured, it could end up costing you hundreds or thousands of pounds for treatment abroad, and astronomical amounts if you have to repatriated to the UK. Also check that your travel insurance covers terrorism, and winter sports – if you’re taking to the slopes.

New year, new gadgets

Will Father Christmas bring you a shiny new laptop, smartphone or gaming console this year? Don’t forget to update your contents insurance in the New Year to include your new big-ticket valuables.

Paws and claus

Pets love Christmas, too, but their excitement can lead to trouble. Dogs knocking over trees, cats chewing fairy lights or pets eating something Christmassy they shouldn’t - pet insurance and home cover can help when things get out of paw!

Christmas falls but once a year…

Some long for a white Christmas, but the cold weather at this time of year brings its perils. From slips on icy driveways to rogue sledges in the park, personal liability insurance can save you from unexpected Christmas bills. Plus, driving in cold, wet or icy conditions, to visit family or to head out Christmas shopping, can be a risky business. Make sure your car is prepared for winter and that you allow extra time for your journeys.   Christmas is a time for fun, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. With the right coverage, you can enjoy the festivities worry-free, knowing you’re protected against the unexpected. So, as you deck the halls and roast those chestnuts, remember: your insurance is the unsung hero of Christmas! Wishing you a merry (and insured) Christmas from all of us here at Ascend!