When it comes to home insurance, weather incidents, seasonal accidents, increased footfall in homes, and higher-value contents all combine to make winter a higher-risk period for clients. For advisers, this creates a perfect opportunity to revisit home insurance conversations and reinforce the value of quality cover.
Paymentshield’s latest consumer research, conducted by YouGov in September 2025 with over 2,000 UK adults, highlighted that people are unclear about what their policy covers, potentially leaving them vulnerable to a costly festive mishap.
The research revealed that one in three people (33%) who purchased home insurance via a price comparison site in the past year have doubts about what they’re covered for. This uncertainty is where an adviser can make a meaningful difference - ensuring clients understand their protection and aren’t caught off guard by festive mishaps.
Below are four potential “Christmas calamities” that can help advisers start timely, relevant conversations with clients and demonstrate why choosing a policy recommended by an adviser can be valuable.
1. The freezer fiasco
A packed Christmas freezer can be worth hundreds of pounds. If a domestic fuse blows or there is a failure of the public electricity supply causing the freezer to break down, many people are unaware that its contents may be covered under their contents insurance. It means that customers can relax knowing that if they needed to replace all their Christmas freezer food, they could claim back the cost of an expensive last minute food shop, minus their contents excess, and avoid being left hugely out of pocket.
2. Wet Bandit wannabees
Many homes will contain expensive gifts during December, which could make them attractive targets for festive burglars like Home Alone’s Harry and Marv. Early nightfall and empty properties while families are out celebrating increase the risk further.
It’s essential that policyholders know whether their home insurance policy covers malicious damage (covered by buildings insurance) and theft (covered by contents insurance). Some policies, including Paymentshield’s, also include a seasonal uplift of 10% to reflect the higher value of contents during the festive period, providing a strong entry point for advisers to discuss.
It’s also worth reminding clients that they may need to list high-value gifts separately on their policy. Some insurers require individual items worth £2,000 or more to be specified (for anyone who’s been particularly generous!). Clients will appreciate the reminder – this is something that is easily overlooked in a busy festive season.
3. Clumsy guests
More guests mean more opportunities for accidents — from spilled mulled wine to overexcited children knocking things over. Accidental damage is often an optional extra, and many people may not recall whether they added it when they purchased or renewed their policy – so the festive period is a compelling time to raise or revisit it.
Asking about clients’ Christmas plans — hosting, children, social gatherings — can help frame accidental damage cover in a relatable way. They might have even experienced previous Christmas mishaps that throw the need for this cover into sharp focus!
4. Out in the cold
Lost keys are more common in December. With hands full of shopping bags and diaries full of social plans, misplaced keys can quickly turn into an expensive emergency call-out. The Master Locksmiths Association reported a spike in festive lockouts last year.
Policies vary widely, so it can be a good differentiator showing the difference between cover. Paymentshield, for example, includes up to £1,000 for lock and key replacement as standard under buildings cover. Cover for other items usually worn or carried — such as phones and purses — typically falls under optional personal possessions cover, so it’s useful to explain the differences and discuss what might be most appropriate for your client.
A Christmas gift
The run-up to Christmas gifts advisers with natural ways to check in with clients about their home insurance. These seasonal examples help clients understand how cover can vary drastically, important things to consider, and why professional advice is key. By initiating these timely conversations, advisers can protect clients from unexpected festive expenses and strengthen their relationship.
This is a time when clients are especially receptive to anything that helps them avoid household stress — making it one of the strongest windows of the year for advisers to demonstrate value.
