AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Porch pirates, home vandals and tree fires, oh my! A new study from insuranceQuotes examines holiday hazards, including fires caused by lit candles and cooking mishaps, vandalism of outdoor holiday decorations, and theft of deliveries from doorsteps. The main takeaway for homeowners? Take precautions now!
“During the holidays, certain crimes and home hazards increase. Homeowners need to take precautions and make sure they have the right insurance to protect their finances,” said Laura Adams, senior insurance analyst at insuranceQuotes. “You could have packages delivered to your office or a local locker—or use motion detectors, security systems and light timers to fend off thieves.”
PORCH PIRATES
According to the
report, 25.9 million Americans (8%) have had a holiday package stolen
from their front porch or doorstep—up from 23.5 million porch thefts reported
in 2015.
DECORATION DEVIANTS
Results
revealed that 22.6 million Americans (7%) have had holiday decorations
stolen or vandalized in the past year. As a result, they took the
following precautions:
- 34% installed motion detectors
- 30% installed a security system
- 25% installed automatic timers for their holiday lights
HOUSE FIRES
Startling
statistics about holiday fires:
- 12.9 million Americans have had a house fire caused by a fryer or cooking accident
- 9.7 million have had a house fire caused by lit candles
- 6.5 million have experienced a house fire caused by a Christmas tree
“Like many holiday hazards, house fires are preventable. Homeowners should clean grease from ovens and stovetops, keep candles in safe places, use newer lights to decorate, and keep Christmas trees at least three feet from heat sources. In addition, be familiar with your home or renters insurance policy,” said Adams.
The full report—which includes in-depth data and analysis, along with additional hazard prevention tips—is available at https://www.insurancequotes.com/home/porch-pirates-package-thieves-house-fires-holiday-120117.
Methodology:
This study was conducted for insuranceQuotes
via telephone by SSRS. Interviews were conducted from November 1-5, 2017
among a sample of 1,009 respondents. The margin of error for total
respondents is +/- 3.71% at the 95% confidence level. All data are
weighted to represent the adult U.S. population.
About insuranceQuotes:
insuranceQuotes
gives consumers a free, easy way to shop and compare insurance quotes
online for auto, home, health, life and business. Follow on Facebook
and Twitter.
