Insurance Risks are High During the Holidays! How to Stay Safe

December 25th, 2012  |  Insurance

Insurance is probably not high on your list of important things to worry about during the holiday season. However, while you are thinking about what gifts to buy for your family and planning out Christmas dinner, insurance companies are experiencing one of the busiest times of the year.

Insurance risks are high during the holiday season and insurance companies experience a high volume of claims this time of the year. From car break-ins, poor weather conditions, holiday theft, and a variety of safety risks, there is no shortage of things that you need to think about to stay safe and enjoy the holiday season.

What you can do to minimize the risk during the holidays

Let’s face it. No one wants to call their home or car insurance company during the holiday to make a claim. No one wants to be a victim of theft or get injured, but things do happen. So, make sure you have the right coverage for this time of the year. Review your insurance to make sure you are covered just in case something was to happen.

Part of minimizing risk is being proactive. A little anticipation on your part can go a long way to ensure you and your family is protected. Here are four things that you can do to stay safe this holiday season:

1. Don’t make your car a target for break ins: When you are out and about and doing your holiday shopping make sure that you do not leave any recently purchased gifts out in plain sight. Put everything in the trunk and make sure that you lock your doors and turn on your alarm when you are away from your vehicle.
2. Stay home during poor weather conditions: Many accidents happen when they don’t have to because people don’t stay one when road conditions are bad. When the weather is bad, stay home if you don’t have to go out. Remember that you can do your Christmas shopping online, so there is no immediate rush to go out to the store.
3. 3.      Secure your home from holiday theft: Each year, home invasions spike during the holiday season. To prevent being a victim make sure you take precautions such as turning on your home alarm, and locking all doors and windows. And, avoid posting your holiday plans on social media sites. Thieve look for this information to identify potential targets.
4. Practice decoration safety: When decorating your home for the holiday season, reduce any potential risks by being careful when putting up decorations. Also, make sure that you check all lights and use fire safe decorations. You don’t want to see anyone get hurt this time of year.

Staying safe this holiday season can be as simple as following these four tips and being proactive about how you approach protecting your vehicle and home this season. There are many risks out there and it is up to you to do everything you can to reduce any type of insurance risk.