Hiscox: Houses risk fire damage at Christmas

Posted : 20-12-2006

Homeowners are being advised to check their household insurance and take safety measures to ensure their properties are not at risk from fire this Christmas.

According to Hiscox, the festive period can be a time when houses are more at risk from fire due to items such as faulty Christmas tree lights, log fires and various candles.

In addition, the household insurance company states that the year-end period provides a household with more fire hazards than the rest of the year, with drying-out Christmas trees and flammable decorations used throughout a home.

On average, those with Hiscox insurance policies cause more than £192,000 annually, although the company emphasised that losses can be greater due to the amount of gifts and food kept in a property over Christmas.

"Gifts, food and decorations mean we all have more to lose financially at this time of year," said Charles Dupplin, head of the art and private client division at Hiscox.

"Christmas should be a time for relaxing at home with family and friends but it can be hazardous if people fail to take adequate safety precautions," he added.

Hiscox offers a range of specialist insurance policies including commercial insurance and personal insurance.

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