The holiday season is busy with travel, gatherings, and special purchases. These seasonal changes bring added risks and considerations for auto and home insurance. Reviewing your policies and coverage can make all the difference in enjoying a safe and stress-free holiday season. Here are some key insurance tips for home and auto protection during the holidays.

Protecting Your Home While You’re Away

Holiday travels often leave homes vacant for days or even weeks, making them vulnerable to incidents such as break-ins, water damage, or fire hazards. Here’s how you can ensure your home remains protected:

• Update Your Security System: Many insurance companies offer discounts for home security systems, so consider upgrading or installing features like cameras and automated lights. Even small upgrades can deter potential break-ins, especially if your home is empty.
• Prevent Water Damage: Winter brings the risk of frozen pipes, which can burst and cause extensive damage. Before you leave, shut off the main water valve or set your thermostat to a temperature that keeps pipes from freezing.
• Verify Policy Details: Standard homeowner’s policies cover many seasonal risks, but it’s smart to double-check what’s included. Knowing your policy’s details, especially concerning theft and weather-related damage, can help prevent surprises if you need to file a claim.

Protecting Holiday Purchases and Gifts

Holiday shopping often includes high-value items, from electronics to jewelry, that may exceed your policy’s coverage limits. To ensure these items are protected, consider the following options:

• Review Your Contents Coverage: Many policies have limits on individual items, particularly electronics, jewelry, and art. Reviewing your coverage can help you determine whether you need to make adjustments for the season.
• Consider Scheduled Personal Property Coverage: Also known as a “rider” or “endorsement,” this extra layer of insurance specifically covers high-value items like fine jewelry or expensive electronics, offering more protection than your base policy.
• Avoid Theft with Package Deliveries: The holiday season often sees an increase in package deliveries, which can attract thieves. To minimize the risk of theft, consider using secure delivery options such as requiring a signature for delivery, using a lockbox, or scheduling deliveries for times when someone is home. Alternatively, consider having packages delivered to a trusted neighbour or a local delivery service that offers secure pick-up locations.
• Save Receipts and Document Valuables: For valuable purchases, keep receipts and take photos of your items. This documentation will simplify the claims process if you need to file one.

Auto Insurance for Holiday Travel

With the holiday season comes increased traffic, unpredictable weather, and longer travel distances, all of which can add to the risks on the road. Here’s how to prepare your auto insurance for the season:

• Confirm Collision and Comprehensive Coverage: Winter weather conditions can lead to accidents and vehicle damage. Check that your policy’s collision and comprehensive coverage are up-to-date, especially if you’ll be driving in snowy or icy conditions.
• Add Roadside Assistance: If it’s not already included, consider adding roadside assistance. It covers emergency services, such as towing, tire changes, and jump-starts—particularly useful for winter travel.
• Check for Winter Tire Discounts: In Ontario, insurers are required to offer discounts for winter tire usage. Winter tires improve safety on icy roads, and the discount can help offset the cost.

Staying Safe While Hosting Holiday Gatherings

Hosting holiday parties and gatherings is often a highlight of the season, but it comes with added risk. From liability issues to property damage, here’s what to consider:

• Review Your Liability Coverage: Holiday gatherings increase the likelihood of accidents on your property. Most homeowner’s policies include liability coverage for injuries or damages that happen to guests, but checking your limits is wise.
• Consider an Umbrella Policy: An umbrella policy extends liability coverage beyond the limits of your homeowner’s policy. This is especially useful if you’re hosting large gatherings or serving alcohol.

Contact Us

The holiday season brings special considerations for your home and auto insurance policies. By reviewing and updating your coverage, you can help ensure that your home and vehicle are well-protected, allowing you to enjoy the season with peace of mind.

Connect with an ICD Insurance Broker to explore the right coverage options: 905-830-9000.

Disclaimer:

At ICD Insurance, we aim to provide accurate, up-to-date information. However, insurance needs vary, and coverage depends on specific policies, locations, and providers. This content is for general information only and may not fully apply to your situation. Please contact your ICD Insurance broker to discuss your specific needs and coverage.