Prevent a Parking Lot Accident This Holiday Season

During the holidays, when millions of shoppers flood stores and malls, the frequency of parking lot accidents goes up by about 20%, according to the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Association. To help protect your car from dings, dents and fender-benders, try these parking lot accident prevention tips:

Check it twice. Use your eyes and mirrors—and ask your passengers to look around, too—to make sure your path is clear before you pull or back out of a parking space.

 

Drive slowly. This way, it’s easier to avoid cars that are speeding, cutting across the lot or pulling out of parking spaces.

 

Take a hike. Park farther from store entrances, where it’s generally less crowded, to prevent dings and scratches from other car doors or shopping carts. If it’s dark outside, park wherever you feel safest, like a well-lit area.

 

If—despite your best efforts—you’re involved in a parking lot accident, report it to police and your insurer immediately, even if it seems minor. This way, you’re protected in case the other party doesn’t have insurance or files a claim.

 

If you’ve hit a parked car or other property, and can’t find the owner, securely attach a note with your name and contact information to it, then notify the police and your insurer.

Are Holiday Gifts Covered?

Ever wonder what would happen if your house were burglarized and all those beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts stolen? What if someone breaks into your car and steals the gifts you just purchased? Is there coverage for these types of situations?

Read these FAQs and find out:

Question: " I do a lot of shopping at Christmastime, and generally have many packages left in my car as I go from shop to shop. What about the gifts sitting in my car, do I have coverage if they are stolen?"

 

Answer: Presents stolen from your car are not covered by the typical auto insurance policy.

However, they may be covered subject to a deductible under your homeowners or renters policy-except when limited under the conditions mentioned above.

Question: "My house is filled with expensive gitst waiting to be opened. If my home is burglarized, damaged or destroyed, are all the gifts covered under my homeowner's policy?"

Answer: Not necessarily. There may be limitations on the amount of insurance provided by your homeowner's policy, especially for expensive gifts such as personal computers, silverware, stamp orcoin collections, fine art and jewlery.

There also may be limitations on types of loss or damage that are covered, such as breakage, theft or flood.

Question: "Can I get additional coverage for these gifts?"

Answer: Yes. Look into personal property endorsements and floaters. With an endorsement, you can specify a higher amount than under the standard homeowner's policy.

With a personal articles floater, items such as jewerly can be covered at full value, with no deductible, based on current appraisal or the bil of sale. Floaters also can cover additional causes of loss, such as dropping a new ring down the drain.

Question: "As a renter, are my gifts covered by renters insurance?"

Answer: Yes, but renters insurance also has limits on amount of coverage and types of loss covered.

Tenants also can purchase floaters and endorsements to provide insurance for theses uncovered or undercovered items.

Question: "Besides purchansing endorsements, how else can I protect my property?"
 

Answer: We suggest that you conduct a home inventory of all your possessions, and update this inventory whenever you make major purchases or receive gifts. 

 

Go over you insurance policy with our agency to be sure it provides coverage for the total value of items on your inventory. Keep receipts, serial numbers and dates of purchase of major items. Appraise jewelry and fine are at least every three years, because they may change in value over time.

Question: "What's involved in a home inventory?"

 

Answer: A few hours of your time and a working camera or video recorder.

 

First: List all of your major belongings and furnishings, with a brief description, any serial numbers and any receipts or appraisals.

 

Second: Back up this list with photos or a video. Photograph every wall of every room, and inside closets and cabinets. With a video, make comments for a verbal record as well as a visual one.

 

Third: Store everything in a safe place away from your home, such as a safe-deposit box, so they won't be damaged by the same event that might cause you to need them. Update this inventory whenever needed.

 

That's all it takes for the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are adequately covered.

Holiday Travel Safety Tips

Taking to the seas for the holidays? Or flying out in search of sun and sand instead of gray skies and snow? Before you board, check out these Travel Safety Tips checklist. It includes important information and advice on how to avoid theft while traveling; clever ways to keep your travel cash safe; and how to avoid health risks.

 

Checklist: Travel Safety Tips

Travel Packing Tips

 

 

Need some tips on how to travel lighter during your holiday travels?

 

Check out these five tips to packing and lugging a lighter load:

 

1. Do your research

It sounds silly but make sure you know exactly how many days and nights you are away for and the temperature at your holiday destination. Most women make the mistake of packing far too much because they don’t know what they will ‘feel like wearing’ or are scared of packing too little – a bit of research will ensure you take just the right amount.

2. Pick staple items

It’s all about versatile and interchangeable items that you can mix and match, or dress up and down. For example, a maxi dress can work both during the day and the evening – it’s all about accessories!

3. Plan your outfits

Try to match up enough outfits for the number of days you are on holiday, and what you might be doing on each day. Don’t forget to pack enough underwear too!

4. Don’t forget essentials

Essential toiletries, sun cream and medication are all must-have necessities. Never take expensive jewellery away with you – buy cheaper alternatives from the high street.

5. Be space savvy

Roll clothes instead of folding them and tuck away toiletries and accessories into shoes. Standing a case up for a few hours will get rid of extra air, giving you a few inches of extra space at the top to squeeze in those last essential items.

If all else fails and the serial packers amongst you just can’t make up your minds on what to take, then pack your suitcase as normal and then take out half of it. This way, it’s easier to see what you do and don’t need. Happy holidays!