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NEWS RELEASE CONTACT: Matt Nasworthy, Florida Public Affairs Director, AAA- The Auto Club Group, |
ARE YOU PROPERLY COVERED FOR HOLIDAY HAZARDS?
Certain hazards increase during the busy holiday season
TAMPA, Fla. (December 11, 2018) — With the Holiday season in full swing, making sure they have selected the proper insurance coverage is probably the last thing on the minds of many consumers.
“There are several hazards that can occur during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season,” said Tony Alberton, Florida Field Vice President for AAA-The Auto Club Group. “Making sure you have selected the proper insurance coverage is key to mitigating any issues that may arise during this time of year.”
Since it is the season of giving, some consumers will be making big-ticket gift purchases and many don’t consider their insurance coverage. When looking to make an expensive or unique gift purchase, AAA recommends consumers speak with their insurance agent to determine if the item needs to be scheduled on their home, condo or renters policy. According to a recent AAA Consumer Pulse™ survey,only 1 in 4 Florida home insurance policyholders actually have scheduled personal property coverage.
Another common hazard that occurs throughout the holiday season is theft. Around this time of year theft can come in many forms, including home break-ins, packages stolen from porches, vehicle thefts and even vehicles being broken into. If valuables, such as shopping bags and gifts, are left in plain sight it can be attractive to smash-and-grab burglars.
“When leaving your vehicle in a parking lot, make sure shopping bags and gifts are not visible through the car window,” said Matt Nasworthy, Florida Public Affairs Director, AAA-The Auto Club Group. “Putting your bags in the trunk or another place where they are not visible can help prevent vehicle break-ins.”
Consumers should also make sure they have the proper coverage for this type of incident. A vehicle break-in is typically covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto policy, but it does not cover any personal items that may have been stolen from the vehicle. A claim for those items can be filed on a home, renters or condo policy. Coverage is subject to all policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations.
Some other common Holiday Hazards include:
- Fire Hazards – The holiday season can hold several different types of fire hazards. From Holiday lights and decorations, to Christmas trees and fireplace hazards, this time of year can greatly increase fire risk. AAA recommends checking your holiday lights for frayed wires, broken bulbs or loose connections and make sure your tree is not placed near the fireplace or another heat source.
- Heavy Holiday Traffic – Busy parking lots are another holiday hazard. It’s important to be aware and focused while traveling through parking lots to help avoid collisions. Also, traffic on the roadways is more likely to increase during this time of year, whether it’s running holiday errands or traveling on the highway to visit family and loved ones. AAA recommends limiting distractions when driving in heavy traffic or congested areas.
Along with speaking to an agent about the coverage for certain holiday hazards, it’s important to also discuss the deductibles on auto and home policies and whether they would apply in certain situations.
AAA has a comprehensive household coverage review called AAA Triple Check™. AAA’s agents will conduct a free review of a consumer’s current auto and/or home insurance policy, assess any changes in their lifestyles and advise if they are getting the best rate and all the available discounts. For more information about AAA Select Auto, AAA members and consumers should talk to a AAA Insurance agent at their nearest AAA branch or visit aaa.com/insurance.
AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey
The AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey was conducted online among residents living in Florida from August 3 - 14, 2018. A total of 286 home insurance policyholders completed the survey. Survey results have a maximum margin of error of ± 5.8 percentage points. Responses are weighted by gender and age to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the adult population (18+) in Florida.
About The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America. ACG and its affiliates provide membership, insurance, financial services and travel offerings to over 9.6 million members across eleven states and two U.S. territories including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; most of Illinois and Minnesota; and a portion of Indiana. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 59 million members in the United States and Canada and whose mission includes protecting and advancing freedom of mobility and improving traffic safety.