Be prepared this holiday season. How many of you have fallen on the ice, burned or spoiled the Thanksgiving meal? Or was surprised when holiday travel plans went haywire? The time of year is up and running where we are all adding more to our plates and planning for big celebrations. While the holiday season is undoubtably the most wonderful time of year, it is also a time where many common holiday insurance claims rear their head. We highlight a few to look out for and some helpful tips to avoid these holiday blunders.
Accidents and Holiday Decorations
As the holidays approach, many people begin decorating their homes with festive lights, garlands, and other decorations. While these items can add cheer to any home, they can also pose a hazard. Each year, thousands of people are injured in accidents involving holiday decorations.
Some of the most common holiday decoration-related accidents include falls, electrical shocks, and fires. Falls are the most common type of accident, particularly among older adults. Many falls occur while people are putting up or taking down holiday decorations. Falls like this could be prevented by using proper safety equipment, such as a ladder or stepladder.
Electrical shocks are another common type of accident during the holidays. This is often due to faulty wiring on holiday lights or other electric decorations. To avoid this type of accident, be sure to inspect all electrical decorations before using them. If you see any signs of damage, do not use the decoration.
Fires are also a common type of accident during the holidays. This is often due to candles being left unattended or decorative lights that are not properly secured. To avoid a fire, never leave burning candles unattended and make sure all lighted decorations are secure.
Holiday Travel Mishaps
When you’re packing your bags and getting ready for a holiday, the last thing on your mind is making an insurance claim. But even the best-laid plans can go awry, and that’s when having travel insurance can come in handy.
There are a few common holiday insurance claims that tend to crop up again and again. Here are some of the most popular:
• Lost or stolen luggage: This is one of the most common travel insurance claims. Make sure you keep all important documents, like your passport and travel insurance policy, in a safe place. And don’t forget to register any valuables with your airline. That way, if they do get lost or stolen, you’ll have a better chance of getting them back.
• Cancelled or delayed flights: Flight delays and cancellations are unfortunately all too common these days. If your flight is delayed or canceled, check with your airline to see if they’ll reimburse you for any expenses incurred as a result (like hotel costs or alternative transportation). And if you have travel insurance, give them a call too – most policies will cover some expenses related to flight delays and cancellations.
• Medical emergencies: No one wants to think about getting sick or injured on vacation, but it does happen. If you have travel insurance, be sure to read your policy carefully so you know what kinds of medical emergencies are covered. And always carry your insurer’s 24/7 emergency phone number with you.
Lack of Home Winterization
When the weather outside is frightful, the last thing you want is for your home to be cold and drafty. To avoid a holiday disaster, take some time to winterize your home before the cold weather sets in. By taking some simple steps to prepare your home for winter, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your family safe and comfortable all season long.
To winterize your home, start by checking your windows and doors for any gaps or cracks that need to be sealed. Then, insulate any exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing. In addition, have your furnace serviced before the winter season begins to ensure that it is running efficiently. You should also stock up on emergency supplies such as food, water, and blankets in case you lose power during a winter storm. By taking these precautions, you can rest assured that your home and family will be safe and warm all winter long.
Hopefully none of these common holiday insurance claims or situations will make your season less bright. However, if you’d like to review your home, auto, health and business policies we are here to help! Give us a call today.
