This is the wonderful part of the year when you take time out of your days to focus on the people that you love. You work hard all year, save money, make smart choices, and sacrifice to make a great holiday for those that are closest to you. I would like to help you make sure that your holiday season stays a positive and joyous time of the year. In that spirit, I would like to share some information and tips about common claims that I see this time of the year, and most importantly share tips on how to avoid them.
Minor Accidents
You are busy with work and family… days are already packed, and your time is limited. Your timeline is spread thin and this time of year you may find yourself making a mad dash to fit everything into your day. I see a lot of minor accidents this time of the year: parking lot fender benders and traffic light bumps. I hope that you keep in mind a few things:
Slow down: You may be frantic to get to the store to get the right gift, to get to your office party on time, or to get back home to hide gifts before the kids see them in your trunk. You may be thinking “Slow down?! Do you KNOW how busy I am?!”, I understand. However, taking the extra time you need to assure that you are being safe can save you a lot of time and stress in the long run.
Be Aware: There is a lot on your mind: work, family, friends, schedules, money, and now gifts and holiday plans. This can be a big distraction, and when you are distracted, you are not as aware as you need to be. Paying extra attention to what is happening around you can save you a big headache and a lot of cash. The weather is good right now, but I will note: especially in bad weather being aware can save you time, money, and possibly your life.
Theft From Vehicles
You are running from store to store to get everything on our list. You are pressed for time and you don’t feel that it is a big deal to leave a few bags of newly purchased gifts in the back seat of your car. Unfortunately, criminals need to get gifts too. While you are shopping, please remember: Don’t leave purses, wallets, or gifts in plain sight in your vehicle. A crook will not think twice about causing $1,000 of damage to your car to get to $100 worth of gifts. If you leave your purse or wallet in the car you run the risk of that person having all of your personal information (including your address) and the keys to your home. A few moments of stowing everything away safely can save you a lot of turmoil in the long run.
Don’t Make Yourself a Target
After gifts are opened and you are ready to get all of the extra packaging out of your living room, make sure to tear down boxes. Do not set packaging of high value items out on your curb for trash pickup. This is advertising for criminals that are patrolling neighborhoods looking for their next target. The simple solution: tear boxes down into small pieces or take them to a recycling center. This is an easy way to help you eliminate a big risk, and can help make sure that you do not lose the wonderful gifts that you just received.
Remember to ask yourself “is it insured?”
For the high value gifts that you receive or give to someone in your home (jewelry, collectables, etc): make sure to talk to your insurance agent and to see that they are insured or added to your policy.
From all of us at the Insurance Group of Denver, may you have a blessed holiday season.
