(BPT) - Winter brings celebrations, travel and time with loved ones. It also brings seasonal risks that can cause safety issues and financial stress. Here are four common hazards to keep in mind, plus practical steps to reduce the chance of something impacting your winter fun.
1) Icy walkways, a risk to delivery drivers and guests
Holiday deliveries bring drivers to your porch and sidewalks, and hosting means even more foot traffic. If a visitor or delivery driver slips and gets hurt, you could be responsible for medical bills or legal costs. Homeowners' policies include personal liability coverage designed to help with those expenses if you are legally liable.
For additional peace of mind, a personal umbrella policy provides even higher liability limits. This helps safeguard savings and future income against severe claims.
Do now: Shovel and treat high-traffic areas. Add handrails or traction mats on steps. Review whether your current liability limits are enough to cover your risk.
2) Online scams and personal cyber risk
Scammers thrive during the holidays. They take advantage of the hectic pace of the season by sending out fake shipping notices, phony charity solicitations and gift card cons. These scams are becoming more prevalent, impacting thousands of families every year and many people don't know that insurance can help. Acuity's Identity Fraud and Cyber Protection policy covers a broad range of potential cyber issues, keeping your finances safe from the fallout.
Do now: Enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts, use strong and unique passwords, and be cautious with links or urgent requests that come by text or email.
3) Icy roads and holiday crashes
Winter driving can be unpredictable, and snow, ice and holiday traffic all increase the risk of accidents. If you cause a crash, your auto liability coverage helps pay for injuries or property damage to others, while collision coverage can assist with repairs to your own vehicle.
Do now: Slow down, increase following distance, check tire tread and pressure, and plan ahead for safe rides if holiday celebrations include alcohol.
4) Curbside "cues" that invite theft
Leaving the box of a large TV or from an expensive brand by the curb can advertise new, high-value items inside. It's a small detail, but burglars look for easy tells. Your homeowner's policy protects personal property, but preventing a potential break-in is always better than dealing with one.
Do now: Break boxes down and bag them or take packaging directly to a recycling center.
A partner for winter and beyond
It's important to choose an insurance company that will be there when you need it. Acuity Insurance provides clear coverage and a caring claim process. They give you a single point of contact, so you're not bounced around explaining the same thing to multiple people before you get help. Their 97% positive claims experience rating is the result of a commitment to service that puts policyholders first.
Winter risks are seasonal, but choosing the right insurance provider delivers consistent protection all year.
