The holidays bring packages on the porch, a tree in the living room, candles on the table and a house full of guests. Most of the time it all goes fine. When it doesn't, many Fernandina Beach homeowners aren't sure whether their homeowners policy will help. Here is how coverage usually works for the most common holiday mishaps.
Stolen packages
Once a package has been delivered to you, the items inside are generally your personal property, and theft of personal property is usually covered by a homeowners or renters policy. The catch is the deductible. If your deductible is $1,000 and someone takes a $150 package, filing a claim doesn't make sense, and small claims can still count against you later.
- Call the seller or shipper first. Many retailers and carriers will replace or refund a package that was marked delivered but never reached you.
- Check your credit card. Some cards offer purchase protection for theft within a set number of days.
- Prevent it. Use delivery lockers, require a signature for expensive items, or have packages sent to your office.
Christmas tree and decoration fires
Fire is one of the main risks a homeowners policy covers. If a dry tree, a candle or overloaded lights start a fire, your policy generally helps pay to repair the house, replace your belongings and cover extra living expenses if you have to stay somewhere else while repairs are made. Your deductible still applies.
- Water a live tree every dayA dry tree catches fire much faster than a fresh one.
- Keep candles away from anything that burnsTrees, curtains and wrapping paper, and never leave them burning when you go to bed or leave the house.
- Don't overload outletsCheck light strands for frayed wires and use cords rated for outdoor use outside.
- Test your smoke detectorsMany policies offer a discount for monitored smoke and burglar alarms, too.
Guests who get hurt
If a guest slips on your steps or trips over a cord, the liability and medical payments parts of your homeowners policy can help with their medical bills and protect you if they make a claim. If you host often, have a pool or dock, or own a vacation rental, an umbrella policy adds an extra layer of liability coverage for not much money.
Expensive gifts
Standard homeowners policies often limit how much they pay for theft of jewelry, watches, furs and similar items, sometimes to just a few thousand dollars total. If you give or receive an engagement ring or another valuable gift, ask about scheduling it on your policy. Scheduled items are typically covered for their appraised value, often with no deductible, and can include accidental loss.
Traveling for the holidays
A short trip doesn't affect your coverage, but a few steps lower the risk while you're away: put lights on timers, stop mail and package deliveries, set the thermostat and let a neighbor know you're gone. If you're leaving a rental property empty, check your policy's vacancy rules.
Not sure what your policy covers?
Every policy is different, and the holidays are a good time to look at yours. Southend Insurance offers free policy reviews for homeowners in Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island and Yulee. Call (904) 807-4554 or request a free quote. Learn more on our homeowners insurance page.
This article is general information, not a substitute for your policy documents. Coverage, limits and deductibles depend on your policy and the facts of the loss.