A Holiday Guide to Laughable Mishaps… and the Real Coverage You Might Be Missing
Ah, the holidays—when joy fills the air, cookies fill the house, and gifts fill every square inch under the tree. Everything feels magical… until it doesn’t. Because for every heartwarming Hallmark moment, there’s an equal and opposite holiday mishap waiting to strike.
And let’s be honest:
Some gifts really should come with their own insurance policies.
Today, we’re looking at the laughable items that should come with coverage (but don’t)… and the real gifts you may not realize do need proper home or auto insurance.
1. Tech Devices That Meet the Floor 14 Minutes After Unboxing
Nothing tests your holiday spirit like watching someone unwrap a brand-new smartphone or tablet—only to hear it clatter to the floor minutes later. The protective case? Still sitting unopened in the box.
If we could insure it:
“First-Drop Forgiveness Coverage”
Protects against slippery hands, overexcited kids, and dogs who think the phone is a toy.
Reality check:
Your homeowners or renters insurance can cover stolen or damaged electronics, but only in certain scenarios. Accidental drops usually aren’t included, and high-value devices may need a personal articles rider for full protection.
2. Toys With “Some Assembly Required” (But Missing 93 Screws)
You haven’t known true holiday panic until you’re assembling a toy kitchen at 11 p.m., only to realize the instructions came in Ancient Hieroglyphics and half the pieces are missing.
If we could insure it:
“Missing Hardware & Parental Emotional Support Plan”
Coverage for lost screws, mislabeled pieces, and sudden urges to throw the whole thing out the window.
Reality check:
While the toy itself isn’t insurable, the aftermath sometimes is.
A toppled bookshelf? Broken window? Damage to the wall during a screwdriver-induced meltdown?
Yep—your homeowners insurance typically covers accidental damage to your home (minus the deductible).
3. Scented Candles That Are… a Little Too Enthusiastic
Every holiday season has that one candle.
It starts out cozy and festive…
Then suddenly the flame is higher than your last credit card bill, and the smoke alarm decides to sing backup vocals.
If we could insure it:
“Overconfident Candle Liability Coverage”
Protects against unexpected infernos, melted countertops, and the lingering smell of “Cranberry Spice Gone Wrong.”
Reality check:
House fires caused by candles are more common than you’d think. The good news?
Fire damage is typically covered under standard homeowners policies.
Better news? Avoiding the fire in the first place.
4. A Puppy (Because Yes, They Are Absolutely a Liability)
The cutest gift.
The sweetest companion.
The fastest way to discover your shoes, couch, blinds, carpet, and sanity were not as durable as you once believed.
If we could insure it:
“New Puppy Destruction & Chaos Protection”
Coverage for tinsel ingestion, ornament breakage, and the mysterious disappearance of anything left on a table.
Reality check:
Your homeowners insurance may include liability coverage if your dog accidentally injures someone.
However, some breeds are excluded, and not all policies cover dog-related incidents—so it’s always a good idea to double-check.
But Let’s Talk About the Real Gifts That Need Insurance
While we laugh about the items that should come with coverage, some gifts actually do need protection—and many people overlook it.
Here’s what should be on your “better insure this” list:
1. Jewelry & High-Value Gifts
Engagement rings, designer watches, fine art, collectibles—these often exceed the default limits in a home insurance policy.
Solution:
Ask your agent about scheduled personal property coverage (also called a personal articles policy).
It covers:
Loss
Theft
Accidental damage
Mysterious disappearance
2. Cars, Motorcycles, and Big-Ticket Vehicles
If you’re surprising someone with a new car this year (lucky them!), they’ll need insurance before you even drive it off the lot.
Don’t forget:
- Add comprehensive & collision for the best protection
- Consider gap coverage for brand-new vehicles
- Check liability limits—holiday traffic isn’t forgiving
3. High-End Electronics
Gaming systems, laptops, big-screen TVs, cameras—some of the priciest gifts of the season.
Tip:
A rider or floater may be needed for full replacement cost, especially for portable electronics like laptops or cameras.
4. Travel & Experience Gifts
Surprising someone with a holiday getaway?
Travel insurance can protect against:
Trip cancellations
Lost luggage
Medical emergencies
Travel delays
A small investment, huge peace of mind.
Final Thought: Protect the Joy, Not Just the Gifts
Holiday chaos is part of the charm.
But the unexpected expenses? Not so charming.
A quick insurance checkup ensures the things you value—whether sentimental, expensive, or both—are protected long after the decorations come down.
If you’d like, I can help you:
Review what items might need extra coverage
Explain riders and specialty policies
Update your home or auto insurance before the new year
Just say the word—We are here to help keep your holidays merry, bright, and well-insured.
