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🦃 Deep-Frying a Turkey? Here’s What Your Home Insurance Does and Doesn’t Cover

Holiday Safety + Home Insurance Guide

Deep-fried turkey has become a Thanksgiving favorite — crispy skin, juicy meat, and a whole lot of flavors. But along with the taste comes a huge spike in holiday fire claims. Every year, thousands of households’ experience fires, burns, or property damage caused by turkey fryers.

If you’re planning to fire up the fryer this holiday season, here’s what you need to know about home insurance coverage, liability risks, and ways to keep your home safe.

🔥 Why Turkey Fryers Are Risky

Turkey fryers can be dangerous because they involve large amounts of hot oil, high temperatures, and often outdoor setups close to homes. Common causes of accidents include:

  • Overfilled oil spilling over

  • Frozen or wet turkeys causing violent oil reactions

  • Units tipping over

  • Close proximity to decks, garages, or siding

  • Lack of temperature control

These accidents lead to:
🔥 Fires
🏚️ Property damage
🤕 Burns and injuries

🏠 What Your Home Insurance Does Cover

✔️ Fire Damage to Your Home

If your turkey fryer catches fire and damages your home, the dwelling coverage portion of your policy typically helps pay for repairs to:

  • Siding

  • Roof

  • Walls and structure

  • Attached structures (like a garage)

✔️ Damage to Your Belongings

If the fire spreads and damages personal items such as outdoor furniture, tools, or holiday decorations, your personal property coverage usually kicks in.

✔️ Injuries to Guests

If someone you invited over gets burned or injured, your personal liability coverage can help cover:

  • Medical bills

  • Legal fees

  • Settlements or lawsuits

This is especially important during gatherings when guests may be near hot oil or cooking equipment.

✔️ Loss of Use (If You Can’t Live at Home Temporarily)

If fire damage makes your home uninhabitable, your policy may also help pay for:

  • Temporary housing

  • Food

  • Transportation

This falls under additional living expenses (ALE) coverage.

What Your Home Insurance Does NOT Cover

While home insurance is helpful, it’s not unlimited. Here’s what may not be covered:

❌ Damage Caused by Negligence

If you were doing something considered extremely unsafe — like frying the turkey inside the garage, on a wooden deck, or while leaving the fryer unattended — your claim could be reduced or denied.

❌ The Fryer Itself

Home insurance generally doesn’t cover the cost of replacing the turkey fryer. It’s considered personal property and usually inexpensive enough to fall under your deductible.

❌ Injuries You Cause to Yourself

Liability coverage doesn’t apply to you or members of your household. So, if you burn your hand, insurance won’t cover it.

❌ Intentional Damage

This isn’t common, but if someone purposely misuses the fryer and causes a fire, insurance will not cover it.

Tips to Stay Safe While Frying Your Turkey

A little preparation goes a long way. Here are smart, safe practices to avoid a holiday disaster:

✔️ Thaw the Turkey Completely

A frozen turkey + boiling oil = explosive reaction.

✔️ Use the Fryer Outdoors

Set up the fryer on a flat, stable surface well away from your home.

✔️ Keep a Safe Perimeter

Children and pets should stay far away.

✔️ Monitor the Oil Temperature

Overheated oil can ignite.

✔️ Never Leave the Fryer Unattended

Accidents happen fast — especially with hot oil.

✔️ Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby

Specifically, a Class K or Class B extinguisher. Never use water.

📝 Final Thoughts

Deep-frying a turkey can make Thanksgiving dinner unforgettable — in a good way! Following safety tips will help prevent fires, injuries, and costly claims. And if something does go wrong, the right home insurance policy can protect your home, guests, and finances.

If you’re unsure whether your policy fully covers holiday-related risks, now is a perfect time for a quick coverage review. My agency is always here to help you stay protected and enjoy a safe, delicious holiday season.

You can experience the benefits of being a part of a full-serviced Independent Insurance Agency today! Simply contact Briggs Agency, Inc. if you are interested in an insurance review at 219-769-4840 or visit our website at www.BriggsAgenyc.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Blog post written by: Zachary Pelke