Calculating Santa's travel insurance

Santa getting stuck in the chimney could hit his insurers in the pocket. Photo / iStock

The delivery of Christmas gifts to every little boy and girl in the world is a logistical nightmare, 364 days in the planning.

But some things can't be foreseen, and any accidents or mishaps could hit Santa Claus' insurers in the pocket, according to new data.

Getting stuck in a chimney, eating spoiled milk, or a broken-down sleigh could result in the white-bearded jolly man lodging claims.

Allianz Global Assistance has calculated Santa's prospective travel insurance premium at $335.69 for this year's expedition.

Father Christmas will have to take care with his giant sack of precious cargo though, because if any presents are lost in transit, he's only covered for $20,000.

It would mean even more over-time for his hard-working elves to ensure this year's special deliveries of robot dinosaurs, princess dresses, Lego and bicycles arrive on Christmas Eve. The global travel insurance firm says the festive period can be a risky business.

Last year resulted in 500 claims, with the most bizarre one involving a person being knocked over by an aggressive shopper and hospitalised on Boxing Day.

Almost 6000 New Zealanders are expected to take out policies for their travels this holiday.

But home is expected to be the biggest hazard, AA Insurance says.

Fewer than 10 per cent of AAI's home and contents claims last Christmas period -- from December 2 to January 12, 2015 -- were for burglary.

Another 16 per cent were for accidental loss and 40 per cent for accidental damage.

"However, just because burglaries make up only a fraction of claims, there's no need to get complacent about your home's security," AA Insurance customer relations manager, Amelia Macandrew said.

The great outdoors beckons for alfresco dining or sitting around fire-pits and braziers, but Kiwis should use common sense to avoid accidental damage to property, especially as foliage can be tinder-dry in summer.