5 Common causes of Christmastime claims

Here’s a closer look at some of the most common reasons for Christmastime insurance claims.

Porch piracy

Package deliveries skyrocket around the holidays — and package thefts alongside them. To deter porch pirates, customers should consider getting a video doorbell or security camera; set up a more secure place for deliveries, like a P.O. Box or locking receptacle; have packages delivered to their workplace or a neighbor if they won’t be home; and always closely follow package tracking so they can grab the item as soon as it is delivered.

Fires

Holiday decorations spark around 835 home structure fires occur each year, the NFPA reports. These fires kill around three people annually and cause around $18 million in property damage.

About one-quarter of Christmas tree fires are caused by lamps or bulbs, while about 11% are started by candles. Around half of these fires originated in the living room. From 2020 to 2024, fire departments in the U.S. responded to an average of 143 home fires each year started by Christmas trees. During that period, these fires caused 7 deaths, 13 injuries and $15 million in property damage.

Car accidents

Holiday season in the U.S. is often accompanied by icy weather and extra drivers on the roads, which can make travel plans, and even simple trips to the store, more treacherous than normal. Common auto claims during the Christmas season include rear-end collisions in parking lots, ice-related crashes, hit-and-runs and collisions with deer in more rural areas.

Winter weather

Guest accidents

Hosting a holiday celebration at your home comes with a spike in liability concerns. The holiday season often sees a spike in certain liability claims involving things like alcohol-related incidents and dog bites. Having company over also opens the host up to potential property claims if someone breaks an expensive item or causes other accidental damage to the home.