Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas are popular festivities to celebrate with friends and family, but a Saga survey and claims data indicate a rise in fires and accidental damage over the festive season.
Saga’s home insurance product manager, Anna Thunstrom, explains which types of insurance do and don’t cover common incidents, and fire risk assessor Ian Thompson and ex-firefighter Adam Harper share safety advice for celebrations. Dog behaviourist Debby Lucken also offers guidance on calming anxious pets that could cause damage.
Bonfire Night hazards
A Saga survey of British homeowners who had one or more fires over the three festive celebrations revealed 60% occurred on Bonfire Night.
- Incidents included a candle fire that caused £20,102 in damages, a loose firework that went through a window, costing £570, and a neighbour’s bonfire that was too close to a tree, resulting in £225 in damages.
- Saga’s claims data reveals the average settlement for a fire on Bonfire Night was £1,074.
- The number of accidental damage claims on November 5th are 12% higher than November’s monthly average. The average claim totalled £1,376 – the highest settlement on that day reached £16,609.
- A Saga survey of pet owners revealed over half (54%) said their pets exhibited challenging behaviour, which also resulted in accidents like knocking over ornaments.
According to ex-firefighter Adam, heat transfer from improper disposal of sparklers and fireworks are the most overlooked fire hazard: “These items pose a fire risk because they can retain heat long after use, and if discarded carelessly, they can ignite surrounding materials. It’s best to soak them in water overnight to ensure there is no chance of them setting anything alight.
“Bonfires placed too close to combustible items like houses or vehicles can cause heat transfer, leading to secondary fires. Consider weather conditions and the surrounding environment before lighting any fire, as well as ensuring the safety of everyone nearby.”
Halloween hazards
Saga’s survey revealed Halloween is the second-most fire-prone holiday, accounting for 32% of festive fires.
- The number of accidental damage claims on October 31st are 17% higher than October’s monthly average.
- The average settlement for fire claim on Halloween is £3,259.
- A Saga survey of pet owners found that almost a quarter (23%) reported that their pets were more anxious or unsettled during Halloween, resulting in damage around the house.
According to fire risk assessor Ian Thompson: “The flammability of some Halloween costumes, which are often made from synthetic materials, can be a risk around candles. Avoid wearing long, trailing fabrics that could easily catch fire, and consider using face paint instead of masks, which can obstruct vision and lead to accidents.”
Christmas hazards
Christmas was the third-most accident-prone occasion. Of those who experienced a seasonal fire, our survey revealed that one in five (22%) Brits had a house or garden fire over Christmas, with a further 10% experiencing a fire on Christmas Day.
- December is the second-most expensive month for fire claims, with the average settlement £14,332. The average settlement for a fire claim on Christmas Day is £2,372.
- Incidents included a Christmas pudding igniting the kitchen, resulting in £5,004 in damages, and a stove left on starting a fire, costing £2,608.
According to Adam, the most overlooked Christmas fire risk is heat transfer from a fireplace: “This applies to both traditional style and gas fire heat sources. When combustibles, such as presents and Christmas trees, come too close to these items, they pose a significant fire risk.”
It’s recommended to keep items about three to five feet to the side.
He adds, “The most common fires are usually due to Christmas lights and overloaded sockets from decorations. While Christmas lights are generally safer today, they are often stored in bundles throughout the year, which can lead to damage.”
Distinguishing what is and isn’t covered by an insurance policy, Saga’s home insurance product manager, Anna, says: “If your home or belongings are damaged in a fire, most standard home and building insurance policies will cover the cost of repairs and replacements.
“Damage caused by negligence, however, such as leaving open flames unattended or not following basic fire safety guidelines, may not be covered. Insurers expect homeowners to take reasonable precautions.
“There are instances where a standard insurance policy may not provide cover, however. If there’s an unexpected accident, like a distressed pet is alarmed by loud fireworks and knocks over and breaks expensive tech, it would come under accidental damage cover. This cover is usually an optional add-on to a policy and is typically not included in a standard home insurance policy. However, it’s important to note that accidental damage typically doesn’t cover pet-related damage like chewing, scratching, tearing, or fouling. This would fall under pet damage cover, which is usually embedded in a higher cover level or more premium product.”
Dog behaviourist, trainer, and founder of Kids Around Dogs, Debby Lucken, shares her expert tips to keep dogs settled around seasonal celebrations:
- Use the dog’s sense of smell: Dogs have an incredible nose, and when that is put to good use, they can almost forget about the rest of the world. Fill feeder toys with a variety of food like yoghurt, ham, or tuna. Freeze them for a few hours, then give them to your dog before trick-or-treating, fireworks, or Christmas morning. This keeps them occupied, engaged, and stress-free while the house is busy.
- Keep dogs safe and secure: Make sure your garden is secured and the gates are closed in case your dog is in the garden and a loud noise spooks them. Avoid letting your dog in the garden in the evening during fireworks season, as they are likely to hear the loud noises and get scared.
- Learn to read your dog’s body language: Dogs communicate through their body. Turning away, lip-licking, or tensing up are signs of discomfort or stress, while approaching you signals they want to interact. Understanding these cues helps you know when they’re happy or upset.
- Help your dog relax naturally: Use calming lavender sprays and diffusers, or place lavender plants around your home. Offer options like a blanket sprayed with lavender, another with nothing, and a bed near lavender, allowing your dog to choose their preferred way to relax.
