The number of fire damage cases doubles during the holiday season – UNIQA urges increased caution

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 12. 09. 10:27

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During the holiday season, twice as much fire damage occurs in homes as in an average month, according to data available at UNIQA. In December last year and January this year, the insurance company paid out approximately 200 million forints to victims of home fires, which is a quarter of the entire annual fire damage amount. Of course, insurers will cover most Christmas fire damage caused by negligence or accident, but the most rewarding thing is still increased attention and prevention – this is what UNIQA Insurance Company wishes to draw attention to.

With the arrival of autumn and the approach of the holiday season, there is a spectacular increase in the number of home fire damage, which can be linked to the start of the heating season on the one hand and the increasingly frequent use of candles on the other. Some of the accidents are caused by the lack of maintenance of combustion equipment and chimneys or improper installation, but the number of kitchen fires and fire damage caused by candle flames and short-circuited light bulbs also increases during the Christmas period.

According to data from UNIQA Insurance Co., while approximately 20-25 fire damage cases occur in an average month, the number of such reports doubles during the winter holidays. At the same time, there is a significant difference in the damage value, which was 3.5 million forints in December last year, compared to the annual average of 1.8 million forints. The insurance company paid out a total of 200 million forints to victims in December 2024 and January of this year, which accounts for about a quarter of the total annual fire damage amount; and the largest home insurance fire damage amount exceeded 80 million forints.

Although insurance companies usually pay for damages due to house fires caused by negligence or accident, it is also worth considering that such cases often go beyond damage to real estate and movables. That is why it is worth paying more attention to prevention and preparing to react quickly and effectively to unexpected situations.

In addition to checking heating systems and radiators and maintaining them at appropriate intervals, the presence of smoke and fire alarm systems plays a key role in preventing fire damage. We should also make sure that during the holiday season we only put into operation electrical appliances and Christmas light strings whose use poses a lower fire risk. If possible, we should avoid the use of candles burning with an open flame and sparklers that are dangerous for accidents. In addition to all this, it can be beneficial to keep a fire extinguisher in your household – one that can extinguish with powder or carbon dioxide. All of this can contribute to even greater safety in your home and to making the holiday truly about peace and tranquility.