7 household dangers to watch out for this Christmas

Ah, Christmastime. Mistletoe and wine – and an increased risk of household fires. Oddly, this festive season may be a great time to revisit your home and contents insurance and get across all the limits and exclusions you need to know – before your friends and relatives descend.

Here are some common dangers to watch out for this Christmas.

While Australia isn’t known for its cold Christmases, it’s still handy to know you should always roll your electric blankets when storing them – do not bend or fold them. 

When you fold an electric blanket, especially an old one, you create creases in the electrical insulation. Eventually, this leads to fissures and cracks, leaving you vulnerable to electrical shocks and fires the moment you plug it in.

Because this damage comes from poor storage and maintenance, your home or contents insurance policy likely won’t cover it. Negligence in general is an insurance no-no, so here is where a little preparation and care go a long way.

Many people don’t test their fairy lights, even after a year of gathering dust in the attic. However, all it takes is one faulty bulb to spark a fire hazard – especially in the dry tinder of your front yard, or on the Christmas tree with everyone’s presents below.

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So unless you plan to buy new lights every year (and let’s face it, who does?), check the cords and bulbs of your Christmas lights before stringing them up. A $20 voltage tester from Bunnings and critical eye is all you need.

Between candles, cooking, firecrackers, and even rogue relatives with durries, there are plenty of fire hazards to deal with come Christmas.

Cigarette burns typically don’t receive coverage under most home & contents insurance policies – even comprehensive ones, and even when it’s you (not a guest). Ask your smoking relative to do it outside, preferably far down the street. 

Other household fires may receive coverage, but usually, you will need to prove:

• The fire wasn’t the result of poor maintenance (i.e. an old oven).
  
• It was a genuine accident.
  
• You weren’t doing anything illegal at the time.
  
• You weren’t under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
  

Limits to damaged items may apply, too.

Christmas is an exciting time for the family. Kids running around, dad trying out his new VR headset, the dog wagging its tail and getting the zoomies: oh yes. It’s all coming together.

Unless your policy specifically includes accidental damage, coverage can be highly variable. Limits may also apply for specific items, such as your TV, while pet damage may or may not be covered. 

If you’re concerned about accidents this Christmas, review your coverage to ensure you’re all good for mishaps. Remember: giving your home insurance claims the best chance means proving that you weren’t taking any unnecessary risk. Let dad try his new VR headset outside.

And speaking of pets…

That new puppy you got for Christmas sure is adorable – even when they widdle on your new rug.

Pet damage usually isn’t covered by your standard pet insurance policy, which leaves us looking to home insurance instead. Depending on the policy, you may be eligible, but conditions and limits may apply. 

You may also receive coverage if an animal gets accidentally trapped inside your home (like in the laundry room) and creates havoc while trying to get out, but again, this depends on the policy.

An old proverb: if your home has a sneaky step, your unsuspecting elderly relative will find it. But if they trip over and hurt themselves, could your home insurance cover their injuries?

Depending on the policy, yes! Some policies include liability coverage for people staying in your home, including for injuries or damages to their belongings during an insurable event. Standard exclusions like risky or drunk behaviour apply, as well as any content limits.

More people means more dirty dishes and laundry – those ugly Christmas sweaters won’t wash themselves, after all. 

However, one of the most common causes of household leaks and water escape is ruptured Flexihoses, whether behind the washing machine or under the sink. Check these hoses regularly. If they’re over four years old, consider replacing them. 

Smart-tech sensors can even help detect leaks before they cause significant damage, like those provided by Honey Insurance. Otherwise, you could be on the hook for thousands in water damage. Ever had to replace a mouldy carpet or fan-dry a laundry? It’s a verified holiday buzzkill.

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Plus, it likely won't be covered unless an insurable event (like a summer storm) causes the leak or water damage. Wash with care!

Happy holidays! Compare home insurance policies below.