Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Kitchen Fires at Thanksgiving?
Generally yes. Fire is a standard covered peril, and that includes accidental cooking fires. Thanksgiving is the worst day of the year for cooking fires, so it helps to know how coverage works before you light the stove. I’m not an insurance professional, so confirm details with your policy or agent.
What a Policy Usually Covers
After an accidental kitchen fire, homeowners insurance can pay for several things:
- Dwelling coverage: repairs to the structure, such as cabinets, walls, and flooring
- Personal property: belongings damaged by flames or smoke, including appliances
- Additional living expenses: hotel stays, meals, and other extra costs if the home is temporarily unlivable
- Liability and medical payments: costs if a guest is injured
Your deductible comes out of any payment first. For fire, that’s typically a flat dollar amount rather than a percentage.
What About Turkey Fryers?
Fires from a deep fryer are typically covered as long as they’re accidental, and you used the fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Fryer incidents are among the most destructive Thanksgiving accidents, and one source puts the average fryer claim near $28,000. Keep fryers outdoors, away from the house, decks, and garages, and never cook with one unattended.
The Negligence Question
Sources disagree here, so read your policy. Some say negligence can lead to denial, citing an unattended pan of oil as an example. Others say an insurer will usually still pay for damage from carelessness, though you’d owe the deductible and may see higher premiums later. Truly intentional acts are excluded. Policies also exclude damage tied to wear and tear or poor maintenance, which insurers sometimes cite when a fire involves old wiring or heavy grease buildup. If your policy language is unclear on negligence, ask your agent before the holiday.
If Your Guests Are Hurt
Liability coverage typically responds if a guest is injured because of your negligence, and medical payments coverage can pay certain medical bills regardless of fault. Your own injuries generally aren’t covered under your homeowners policy.
If a Fire Happens
- Get everyone out and call 911 first
- Call your insurer once it’s safe
- Photograph damage before cleanup and keep receipts for emergency repairs
- Keep a record of living expenses if you’re displaced
In Texas, insurers must acknowledge a claim within 15 days. For help with a delayed or disputed claim, call the Texas Department of Insurance at 800-252-3439.
