The end of the year can be full of hustle and bustle, that it can be easy to forget about the insurance implications that come around this time of year. Don’t forget to talk to your professional insurance agent about your insurance coverage needs on the following topics:
Coverage for gifts
Many homeowners insurance policies limit the amount of coverage or insurance they provide for personal computers, silverware, stamp or coin collections, fine art and jewelry. So, if you have any of these as gifts, your homeowners policy may not cover them in their entirety. There may be limitations on the types of loss or damage that are covered, such as breakage or flood. See more answers to gift-related questions here.
Fire safety
On average, more than one-third of home fire deaths in the U.S. occur during the winter months.
Holiday celebrations mean more entertaining, and more cooking, which can increase your risk of fire. Keep your family safe this holiday season with these tips:
- Use care when burning candles. Place them in sturdy holders, kept well away from draperies and decorations and out of the reach of children or pets. Extinguish candles before you leave the house or go to sleep.
- Never use candles to decorate your holiday tree.
- Don’t leave the stove unattended while you’re cooking—it’s the leading cause of fire in the U.S.
- If you choose to have a holiday tree, place it well away from heat sources. Water fresh trees every day.
- If using an artificial tree, make sure it’s flame retardant.
- Replace any lights with frayed or damaged cords. Always unplug all lights before leaving home or going to sleep.
- Don’t overload electrical outlets.
- Refrain from running electric wires or cords underneath rugs.
Safety while driving
It is estimated that approximately four million innocent people are injured or have their vehicles damaged in alcohol-related accidents each year.
To protect yourself, always wear your seat belt, and make sure children are secured in child safety seats in the back seat. Be aware of the warning signs of drunk drivers.
Shirley Albright, CPIA, CISR
Shirley Albright, CPIA, CISR, has been a cornerstone of PIA since joining the association in 1983. Over the decades, she has contributed meaningfully across numerous departments, demonstrating unwavering dedication and leadership. In 1995, Shirley played a pivotal role in launching the Industry Resource Center, where she led the development of a comprehensive software system designed to log and manage all incoming and outgoing member inquiries—an innovation that transformed the center’s operational efficiency. As director of the Industry Resource Center, Shirley oversees the center’s daily operations, including the triage and resolution of thousands of member inquiries and multiple database updates, ensuring timely and accurate support across the organization. Her industry accomplishments include earning her New York state property/casualty broker’s license and has obtaining the CPIA and CISR professional designations, underscoring her deep expertise and commitment to excellence in the insurance industry.
