Summer is a great time to go on vacation, relax, and spend quality time with friends and family. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are hazards specific to this time of year that should be considered. Read on to find out some common summer insurance claims and how you can avoid them!
Car accidents
It may not come as a surprise that one of the most common summer insurance claims involve car accidents due to the amount of people out on the road going on vacation, heading to the pool, and so on. Additionally, keep in mind that there is an influx of young drivers on the road because of school being out for summer break. If you have a teenage driver, take a moment to caution them about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage them to not text, mess with the radio, or engage too much with their passengers while driving.
However, there are other hazards on the road that everyone should look out for regardless of how many years experience you may have; for example, the summer months bring with them frequent road construction, inclement weather, and a higher risk of cars overheating.
In the event that your car overheats while on the road, pull your car over to a safe spot immediately.Wait for the vehicle to cool down before touching the radiator cap as removing it too soon when checking the coolant can result in third degree burns. Do not attempt to operate your vehicle after this point; you’ll need to take it to an auto repair shop to ensure that your car’s cooling system is working properly. Driving an overheated car can cause radiator hoses to burst, a blown head gasket, or any other number of costly repairs, so be sure you get your car checked out sooner rather than later!
Outdoor fires
With bonfires and barbecues comes another one of the most common summer insurance claims: outdoor fires. Standing around the grill and roasting marshmallows with family and friends is a great way to spend a summer evening, but this can unfortunately lead to a flame that goes out of control. On average, 10,200 home fires a year are started by grills with more than half of these fires occurring May – August.
July is the peak month for grill fires due to the festivities surrounding the 4th of July. However, grills are not the only source of a potential fire on Independence Day; according to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks cause an average of 18,500 fires per year including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires.
This being said, the best way to avoid any property damage caused by barbecues and fireworks is to exercise caution. Never leave an open flame unattended, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case the fire becomes difficult to manage.
It’s also important to note that any personal belongings damaged in a fire are covered under a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. Contact Risk Averse Insurance and start saving money on your homeowner’s policy now! Enter your information for an instant PA homeowner’s quote online, or call to discuss your options with a Risk Averse agent.
Home Burglaries
Millions of families leave their homes to go on vacation each summer, leaving their personal belongings unattended. Because of this, the number of burglaries consistently rises during summer months. The resulting property loss from these burglaries is another one of the most common summer insurance claims we see.
If you’ll be on vacation for at least a few days and you’re leaving an empty house behind, it’s a good idea to avoid giving any indication that your house is unattended. Ask a neighbor or hire a house-sitter to get your mail every day and turn on some lights to make it seem as if you’re home. You can also purchase lights that are triggered by a timer so you don’t have to worry about wasting power for nighttime.
One way to combat the financial blow from stolen property is to be prepared in case a burglary happens. A loss resulting from theft is covered by most homeowners insurance policies as part of your personal property coverage. So, if someone breaks in and steals your laptop while you’re on vacation, you can be reimbursed by your insurance company based on the limits on your policy. If you’re not sure about how high your limits are or what your deductible is, contact your insurance agent before going on vacation to clarify.
Risk Averse Insurance has been insuring Delco and the surrounding areas since 2015, and we want to partner with you to ensure that you’re getting the best possible coverage.
Call Risk Averse Insurance in Media, PA to discuss your home and auto insurance.
Risk Averse Insurance is an independent insurance agency in Delaware County that specializes in providing high-quality insurance products at an affordable price.
