New Allianz data reveals fire dangers linked to popular Father’s Day gadgets

8 September 2025

With Australians set to spend more than $720 million on Father’s Day gifts this year¹, Allianz is reminding households to take simple precautions when charging and storing lithium-ion battery powered devices.

Over the last five years, almost half the nation gave presents containing lithium-ion batteries (47%). While power tools, drones, gaming controllers and beyond are cool gadgets for dad, claims data released from Allianz Australia reveals these items containing lithium-ion batteries were linked to $16.1 million in fire damage in 2024.

Top incidents involved power and garden tools (38%) and battery cells (31%), whereas drones, gaming controllers and headphones accounted for 8% of claims, while e-scooters contributed a further 11%.

Chris Wood, Allianz Australia, Emerging Risks Manager, said the data is a timely reminder to take care with much loved devices:

“It’s natural for families to gift gadgets on Father’s Day, but we want to help Australians get the most out of them safely. Small changes in how we charge, and store devices can make a big difference in reducing fire risks.” Mr Wood said.

"If gifts are second-hand, families should be mindful of the product’s history, as Dad’s new gift might have been previously dropped or damaged, which carries a higher fire risk. But most importantly, never leave devices charging overnight and to always keep an eye on them while they’re plugged in.”

To help Aussie fathers care for lithium-ion batteries and take steps to prevent these fires in their home, Allianz shares some of its top tips to minimise these risks.

Charging etiquette is of paramount importance when it comes to preventing these fires so it’s important that we:

Install a smoke alarm in your charging area
Avoid charging devices overnight or whilst occupants are sleeping.
Disconnect or stop charging these devices once they are fully charged.
Use charging cables that are specific to that device.
Keep batteries, chargers, charging cords and devices away from flammable materials i.e bedding and clothing.

Physical damage should be top of mind, lithium-ion batteries can get knocked around a bit, especially when it comes to power tools, but it’s not great for these batteries.

While the data shows these items can pose risks, Allianz’s message this Father’s Day is simple: with a little care, Australians can enjoy their favourite gadgets safely for years to come.

References

¹ Australian Retail Association and Roy Morgan research: Fewer Shoppers, Bigger Splurges: Aussies Spending Up on Father’s Day Gifts

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About Allianz Australia

Allianz Australia has been securing the future of our customers in Australia since 1914. We deliver a wide range of personal and commercial insurance products and services to more than 4 million policyholders. We also provide support for workers' compensation insurance to around 25% of the top 200 ASX companies, making us one of the leading workers' compensation insurers in Australia.

Allianz Australia Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of the worldwide Allianz Group. The Allianz Group is one of the world's leading insurers and asset managers with corporate customers in more than 70 countries. Allianz customers benefit from a broad range of personal and corporate insurance services, ranging from property, life, and health insurance to assistance services, credit insurance and global business insurance. Thanks to our systematic integration of ecological and social criteria in our business processes and investment decisions, we are among the leaders in the insurance industry in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.

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