Avoiding Home Thefts and Injuries Easier Than You May Think

While the holidays can present an increased period of items being stolen from your home, it is important year-round to practice common sense so that items in and around your residence do not go missing.

As the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association (RMIIA) points out, the holiday season sometimes can set the stage for a not so happy celebration.

According to a spokesperson for RMIIA, it is wise to be sure you are covered for situations that go hand-in-hand with the holiday time of the year. It is recommended that consumers undertake an annual insurance check-up with an agent or company representative, along with a quick review of the auto and homeowners’ policy.

As RMIIA points out, there are a number of holiday mishaps that can lead to a disappointing celebration.

First, many consumers unfortunately end up dealing with stolen holiday decorations from the front of their property.

With a standard homeowners’ insurance policy, decorations are typically covered, however subject to the out-of-pocket deductible and policy limits. Holiday trappings are also typically protected through a standard renter’s or condo policy.

If you have gifts sitting in your vehicle while it is parked at the mall, you could be setting yourself up for trouble.

Coverage to replace items stolen from your vehicle falls under a homeowners’ or renter’s policy.

Keep in mind, though, that is subtracting the deductible and up to policy limits, so it is best to keep gifts and other valuables out of sight. That being said, consumers also are advised against leaving wallets, purses or other personal identification items in the vehicle. In the event the vehicle is damaged at the time of a break-in, repairs would be paid for through the auto insurance policy.

When it comes to slips and falls on your property, you need to report the accident as soon as possible to your insurer.

Standard homeowners’ insurance policies provide a degree of medical payments coverage in the event a guest opts for medical attention. If an injured guest sues for more damages, the homeowners’ policy also offers liability coverage. An agent or company can assist consumers in determining adequate liability limits.

As for auto accidents, in the event a friend or relative borrows the vehicle (with the owner’s consent) to make a grocery store run and causes an accident, auto insurance follows the vehicle, therefore the policy would provide primary coverage to repair the car and pay medical and car repair costs to any victims.

Finally, fires are also an issue any time of the year, but especially over the holidays.

If by chance holiday candles or Christmas lights start a fire, through a standard homeowners’ policy, the residence and personal belongings will be covered should they be destroyed in a fire, subject to policy limits and deductibles. The homeowner would also have a degree of added living expenses to live elsewhere should the home be uninhabitable.

With a renter’s policy, the renter would have protection to replace personal stuff, minus deductibles and to the limit of the policy.

Whether during the holidays or before or after, make sure your homeowners’ or renter’s policies are up to date so you don’t have to find out the hard way they were not.