Cooking catastrophes account for 30% of Xmas claims - State

Damage occurring during meal preparation made up 30% of all contents claims from Christmas Day last year, State Insurance data can reveal.

IAG executive general manager claims Wayne Tippet said that kitchen claims from mishaps and cooking disasters were up 92% on Christmas Day last year.

“Kitchen mishaps have now surpassed mobile phone claims which have typically taken out the top spot on our Christmas Day claims list.”

Among the Christmas cooking catastrophes claimed for last year, hearing aids were microwaved, ovens were battered while incinerating turkeys and phones fell into gravy jugs.

Tippet suggests precaution in the kitchen, including setting the timer on your oven or your phone which he adds “you may want to keep safe in your back pocket".

But cooking is not just limited to the kitchen, the humble Kiwi backyard barbecue was the culprit of 137 fire claims around Christmas time last year.

“With a dry summer ahead, paired with El Niño winds, wildfire risk is heightened for parts of the country,” said Tippet.

“If you’re using cooking equipment outdoors, planning a bonfire, or even heating stones for a hāngī, check the fire warnings and bans in place before you light.”

While State data shows that claims relating to Christmas trees are down, it can still be the season for unseen twists.

“We’ve seen Christmas trees fly off trailers, tumble into televisions, and become a target for airborne felines, so we should all be careful about where the Christmas tree is going and ensure it is well secured before turning our backs,” said Tippet.

1. Cooking & kitchen appliances

2. Mobile phones

3. Eyewear

4. Jewellery

5. Televisions & accessories

6. Furniture

7. Computers & laptops

8. Hearing aids

9. Car accessories

10. Dentures

11. Watches

12. Bikes & scooters