Let’s get the sleigh bells out of your head: yes, putting up holiday energy-efficient outdoor lights installation does come with certain insurance and liability issues. This enjoyable activity may look cheerful and colorful, but there is a long list of things to accomplish that is longer than Santa’s “nice” list.

Anyone that climbs ladders, scrambles on roofs, or climbs trees to make your property appear nicer is putting themselves in danger. A fall off a roof can ruin Christmas cheer and cause a legal mess. That’s why you should ask a possible installer right immediately, “Do you have insurance?” If the answer isn’t a confident “yes,” keep going like a shopper who doesn’t want to try fruitcake.

Liability insurance protects you if a worker gets hurt on your property or if something breaks, like a heavy boot breaking a tile or a loose wire tearing your gutter. Most good businesses carry this type of insurance. Workers’ compensation is a whole other level. If one of your crew members fractures their ankle while wrapping your gifts, this insurance will assist pay for their medical fees, so you won’t get a surprise bill in the mail around the holidays.

Don’t forget the documents. Before you make a reservation, ask to see proof of insurance. Make sure what they say is true. When your roof is icy and your wiring is a mess, you need insurance for more than just your business. It’s also good for your peace of mind.

In the end, holiday lights can be pretty, but don’t allow legal issues ruin your fun. Ask questions, read the paperwork, and pick a company that puts safety first and not just as an afterthought. You will know that everything is pleasant, bright, and worry-free when those lights turn on.