Home Claims

1. Fire-Related Claims

December is one of the highest months of the year for property loss, with residential fire claims rising. The most common culprits include unattended cooking, overloaded outlets, faulty holiday lights, and candles placed too close to flammable materials. Cooking fires, in particular, tend to peak around the holidays, when distractions are high and kitchens are busiest.

PRO Tips:

Ensure any holiday lights are turned off overnight (use LED lights when possible), space heaters are kept away from decorations, and smoke alarms are tested regularly to reduce risk.

2. Water Damage & Frozen Pipes

Cold temperatures, extended holiday travel, and poor insulation can all lead to frozen or burst pipes, which often cause extensive water damage. If you’re away for an extended period of time, you might not be there to catch the problem early, allowing leaks to spread and increase the cost of repairs. Claims for burst pipes typically rise between mid-December and February.

PRO Tips:

Winterize your property, keep the heat on while away, and use temperature-monitoring devices or automatic shutoff systems. These simple measures can save thousands in damages and avoid holiday disruption.

3. Theft & Burglary

December also brings a rise in theft and burglary claims, which tend to increase by 20-25% during the holidays. “Porch piracy,” or package theft, has become one of the fastest-growing types of holiday-related claims.

PRO Tips:

Use home monitoring systems, schedule deliveries when home, and avoid broadcasting travel plans online.

RELATED: Locks, Camera, Discounts: 10 Home Security Tips to Protect Your Home

4. Personal Liability Claims

With more holiday gatherings comes an uptick in Personal Liability claims from slip-and-fall injuries or guest accidents. Ice-covered walkways, cluttered entryways, and overindulgence at parties can all lead to costly liability issues. These claims tend to increase around Christmas and New Year’s, when hosting activity is at its peak.

PRO Tips:

Review your Home Insurance policy to see if it includes liability coverage. This protects you if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s. If you’re unsure whether you’re properly protected (or how much coverage you need), connect with your broker to make sure your policy fits your situation.

RELATED: Professional Liability Insurance: What is it, What’s Covered, and What’s Not?

Auto Claims

1. Parking Lot Collisions

December’s combination of icy roads, crowded shopping centers, and distracted drivers often leads to a spike in parking lot accidents. Low-severity collision claims rise during the month. While these incidents are often minor, they can still be expensive and time-consuming to resolve.

PRO Tips:

Slow down, give yourself extra time to park, and stay alert in busy retail areas.

RELATED: 7 Steps to Get Your Car Winter-Ready

2. Alcohol-Related Accidents

The holiday season also coincides with a surge in alcohol-related auto claims. The weekend before Christmas and New Year’s Eve are among the top five days of the year for impaired driving incidents. With parties and celebrations in full swing, even a momentary lapse in judgment can lead to severe consequences.

PRO Tip:

Plan ahead with designated drivers or rideshare services to keep yourself and others safe.

3. Vehicle Theft & Break-Ins

Comprehensive claims for theft and break-ins tend to jump during December, especially around shopping centers. Thieves often target vehicles with visible packages or those left unattended and running to warm up. While convenient, leaving a car idling or gifts in plain sight can make it an easy target.

PRO Tips:

Lock your vehicle, park in well-lit areas, and remove valuables before leaving the car.

RELATED: Car Theft Surges in Canada: Are You Covered?

4. Animal Collisions

From November through January, animal collisions (particularly with deer) remain a persistent risk in rural and suburban regions. Reduced daylight, snow glare, and unpredictable wildlife movement make driving conditions even more hazardous. These collisions can result in serious injuries and significant vehicle damage.

PRO Tips:

Always drive cautiously, especially at dawn and dusk, and use high beams when safe.

Travel Claims

1. Trip Cancellations and Delays

Winter storms, airline staffing shortages, and seasonal illness all contribute to increased trip cancellation and delay claims. During late December and early January, these types of claims can triple as travellers face unpredictable weather or last-minute disruptions. Since the pandemic, more travellers have turned to “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage for added flexibility and peace of mind.

PRO Tip:

Before booking your next getaway, review your Travel Insurance or work with your broker to find coverage that keeps your holiday plans on track.

2. Lost or Delayed Baggage

Holiday travel also brings an uptick in baggage-related claims. The holidays are one of the busiest flying dates of the year, and with even more bags moving, the chance of a mistake grows. While airlines often reimburse some of these costs, the process can be slow and inconvenient.

PRO Tips:

Pack essentials, medications, and valuables in carry-on luggage and document checked baggage contents before departure.

3. Emergency Medical Expenses Abroad

Many travellers are surprised to learn that their provincial health coverage provides little-to-no protection outside of Canada. As a result, emergency medical claims (including hospital stays or medical evacuations) can quickly become extremely costly.

PRO Tips:

Comprehensive Travel Medical Insurance can make all the difference in these situations. Ensure your policy includes out-of-country medical coverage and 24/7 assistance while abroad.