As a loss assessor with so many years’ experience in evaluating fire-damaged properties, Property Claim Assist sees first-hand the loss and devastation that electrical fires can bring. This is why we urge our local Kent homeowners and businesses – and others across the country – to be aware of electrical fire risks and to exercise caution over electrical and gadget purchases this festive season.

We help anyone with a fire-damaged property to gain their rightful settlement via their buildings and contents insurance policy. However, we always feel that prevention is better than cure. There is not enough awareness of the dangers of electrical appliances can pose when it comes to fires. Therefore, we are here to issue new safety messages this year on electrical fire risks.

What are the electrical fire risks from appliances and gadgets?

Online shopping has opened up the British consumer to new risks. Especially posed by those selling fake merchandise over the Internet. Many items on sale in the UK do not meet UK safety standards and can easily overheat and catch fire. This can lead to extensive financial losses within a home or commercial premises.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have encouraged us to buy ‘bargains’, many of which are sold online. Online shopping has become a preference for many. It allows the at-risk and elderly to avoid the Covid-19 risk of shopping in-person. It is also more convenient than trips to stores and high streets, for many others.

However, unless bought via a reputable source or high street name, electrical appliances and gadgets may have been cheaply produced overseas. Firstly, this means they may lack the safety components required for electrical safety. Secondly, they may be incompatible with the UK electricity supply system. If these products overheat, they can easily cause a fire.

Dangers of electrical socket overload

All of the above is why, here at Property Claim Assist, we would urge everyone to watch festive overload. Many homes were wired and fitted with plug sockets in an age that was gadget-free. They now lack the number of sockets that homeowners need. This includes for smartphones, tablets, video games consoles, numerous kitchen appliances and other devices. This results in the use of adapters and multi-socket extension leads.

Overloading of electrical sockets can be another big fire risk. Domestic and commercial property owners should make sure they are not asking too much of their electrical system. Leads and adaptors can only handle so much electrical workload and should be monitored carefully. Regular checks should ensure not too much is plugged in at once.

Appliances not required overnight should be switched off and unplugged. This covers most things other than fridges and freezers. All cables and wiring should be regularly checked to ensure they have no cuts or broken elements that could lead to a property fire.

Reducing fire claim risks over Christmas

Our expert property loss assessors are urging special caution right now. We remind homeowners to turn fairy-lights off overnight and unplug them. You should also make sure these lights conform to British Safety Standards, by spotting the symbol that signifies conformity.

Our final piece of simple advice is for those buying electrical appliances to officially register their purchase with the manufacturer. Also, not to let Black Friday purchase overload prevent that from happening. Should there be a fault with the appliance, this simple action will allow the purchaser to be notified of any appliance recalls.

“Don’t play games with electrical appliance safety after a Black Friday and Christmas splurge”, says Property Claim Assist director, Gary Rogers. “Faulty appliances and leads account for 15% of dwelling fires – far more than the chip pan that we all associate with home fires.”

“In England alone in 2020-21, there were 3665 fires caused by faulty appliances and leads,” adds our fellow director, Simon Colburn. A third of accidental fires in domestic properties were also caused by misuse of equipment and appliances. So, make sure you understand how to use electrical equipment safely and how to spot signs of potential trouble.”

How Property Claim Assist Can Help

Anyone who suffers property damage from an electrical fire is likely to have a complex and difficult-to-negotiate insurance claim on their hands. To find out how to access Property Claim Assist’s help with this, at no charge, with full representation throughout your claim and expert insurance settlement negotiation, call 0333 577 2720.

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Reviews from previous policyholders that have appointed Property Claim Assist to manage their claim.

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“Thank goodness I had these guys by my side”

After a traumatic accidental house fire I was a little lost on how to deal with the insurance and the claim. I reached out to these guys and thank god I did! Simon and everyone else at Property Claim Assist were invaluable and I honestly don’t know if I could have got through it all without them. Handling a big and complex insurance claim is very stressful and complicated. The guys at PCA explained how everything worked and guided me through it all and took up a lot of slack and a lot of the work. Thank goodness I had these guys to depend on.

Paul, Fire Insurance Claim
“Professional Handling of the Claim while I was Overseas”
Professional, timely, efficient and effective handling of a massive Escape of Water Claim in a Grade II listed cottage. Gary knows the process, has the contacts and gets things done. I was having to deal with this loss while overseas, so having the Property Claim Assist interfacing with the insurance company, surveyor and contractors was a godsend. Would not have had such a fabulous remediation without Property Claim Assist.

Dr Ford, Fire Insurance Claim, Fire Insurance Claim

“Amazing from start to finish”

Where do I start…Property Claim Assist took our case on when no one else would. They have been brilliant from day 1. We were fighting a loosing battle with the insurance company. They were 100% professional and adept from start to finish. They have been patient and empathetic and got the job done. We will be forever grateful to PCA. The experience has been life changing in many ways but we are in a massively better off position than we were before we contacted them. I cannot recommend PC Assist highly enough.

Alison, Property Insurance Claim, Fire Insurance Claim