Thanksgiving Insurance Claims Spike From Fires, Falls, and Drunk Driving

Thanksgiving brings more than just holiday cheer—it also delivers a wave of insurance claims that test the readiness of policyholders and adjusters alike. The holiday remains the top day for home cooking fires in the U.S., with insurers like State Farm paying out hundreds of millions in claims. Deep-fried turkeys, stove-top chaos, and distracted cooking lead to serious fire losses, particularly in states like Texas and Pennsylvania.

Auto accidents also surge as Thanksgiving weekend becomes one of the deadliest periods on U.S. roads. In 2024, the National Safety Council estimated over 500 fatalities, with over a third linked to alcohol-impaired driving. For adjusters, this means a flood of claims involving liability disputes, injury documentation, and potential subrogation cases, especially in high-traffic states like California and Florida.

Slips and falls add another layer of holiday risk, particularly in crowded homes or icy environments. Adjusters may see a rise in premises liability cases ranging from minor injuries to severe losses where coverage limits are tested.

This holiday season, adjusters should anticipate an uptick in calls related to home, auto, and personal injury claims. The piece also provides a useful heads-up to insurance agents, reminding them to encourage policy reviews before the holiday hits. For adjusters, this is an ideal time to prepare for high-volume days and ensure systems and communications are streamlined.