Need to Make an Insurance Claim During the Holidays? 8 Tips for Filing
The holidays may be the most wonderful time of the year, but with increased travel, shopping, decorating, and winter weather, the risks to your health, car, and property also increase. If you find yourself needing to file insurance claims during the holidays, it’s important to understand what to expect and how to navigate the process efficiently.
During the winter months, insurance companies see a rise in car accidents, home burglaries, property damage, business interruptions, home fires, and medical emergencies. As a result, filing a claim can take longer, since insurers are often managing a higher volume of losses and damage.
This December, take steps to protect yourself, your family, and your business by following holiday safety tips that may help you avoid filing a claim altogether. If an accident does happen or damage occurs, read on for helpful guidance on filing insurance claims during the holidays.
Reasons to File Insurance Claims During the Holidays
There are many reasons you may need to file an insurance claim during the holiday season, from ice-related injuries to package theft.
Liability: Guests may become ill in your home due to food poisoning—bacterial outbreaks linked to holiday staples like turkey and roast beef are more common in November and December. Liability claims may also arise if someone slips and falls on a snow- or ice-covered walkway or driveway.
Break-ins: It’s not just a Home Alone scenario—break-ins are more common during the holidays. Holiday travel leaves homes unoccupied, valuable gifts attract thieves, and early darkness provides additional cover.
Winter weather damage: Frozen pipes can burst and cause flooding, while blizzards and ice dams may damage roofs. Both homes and commercial properties are vulnerable to winter weather damage, so it’s important to have appropriate homeowners or business owners insurance. Even outdoor decorations may be covered if they’re damaged.
Fires: Experts estimate that up to one-third of home fires occur during winter. Fireplaces, cooking, candles, and string lights all increase fire risk during the season. Review home fire safety tips to help protect your household and guests.
Car accidents: Auto accidents are more common during the holidays due to impaired driving and hazardous road conditions. October through December also see higher rates of pedestrian fatalities because of reduced daylight hours.
Package theft: With more gifts being delivered to doorsteps, package theft tends to increase during the holiday season.
Travel issues: If you’re traveling—especially internationally—travel insurance may help cover emergency medical care, lost luggage, delays, or trip cancellations.
How to Prevent Insurance Claims During the Holidays
By following these safety tips, you can help reduce the risk of accidents and losses while celebrating with family and friends.
Practice fire safety: Never leave candles unattended, avoid overloading electrical outlets, and keep flammable items away from stoves and other heat sources.
Drive safely in winter conditions: Snow and ice create serious road hazards. Avoid driving while impaired, and encourage guests to use designated drivers, public transportation, or stay overnight if needed.
Clear ice and snow from your property: Shovel promptly and use salt, sand, or ice melt to keep walkways and driveways safe for guests, mail carriers, and delivery drivers.
Protect your plumbing: Insulate exposed pipes and allow faucets to drip during freezing temperatures to help prevent burst pipes.
Prevent theft: Keep expensive gifts out of sight and away from windows, vehicles, and other easily accessible areas.
Decorate with care: Secure decorations properly and avoid placing them where high winds could blow them into windows or doors.
Tips for Filing Insurance Claims During the Holidays
Because winter is the busiest season for insurance claims, you may experience longer wait times. These eight tips can help you determine whether to file a claim and guide you through the process.
Call 911 for emergencies: If someone is seriously injured or you experience a crime such as theft or vandalism, contact emergency services immediately.
File a police report: Police reports are essential documentation for claims involving theft, vandalism, or other criminal activity.
Review your policy: Understand your coverage, deductibles, and any special winter-related provisions. Reviewing your policy with an agent can help you decide whether filing a claim makes financial sense.
Contact your landlord: Renters should notify their landlord of any property damage before filing a claim. Renters insurance typically covers liability and personal belongings, but not the dwelling itself.
Avoid filing too many claims: Multiple claims in a short period can raise your premiums. File a claim only when repair costs significantly exceed your deductible. For homeowners insurance, it’s generally recommended to limit claims to no more than two within a five-year period.
Document everything: Keep detailed records of conversations with police, insurance representatives, and repair professionals. Take photos and videos of all damage and save receipts.
If you make temporary repairs—such as boarding up a broken window—document the work and keep receipts, as these costs are often reimbursable. If your home becomes uninhabitable, retain hotel receipts, as additional living expenses are typically covered.
Be cautious on social media: Posting about vacations in real time can jeopardize a theft claim. Some insurers may question claims if social media shows the home was unoccupied.
Expect longer wait times: Claim processing often takes longer during winter due to high claim volume, so patience is key.
Make the Most of Your Insurance This Holiday Season
Need help filing a claim or reviewing your coverage? Speak with an expert at C&S Insurance today.