Make This Fall Season A Treat Not A Trick

We are heading into the holiday season and that means a new set of concerns for homeowners. First there are weather related concerns and then comes Halloween.

Did you know that the insurance industry can tell you what the most common claims are for each month? Insurance companies keep very accurate and detailed records of when claims occur and what kinds of claims occur in what season.

Common Claims That Occur In The Fall

• Rear-end collisions. These occur more in the fall due to changing weather and increased rain. If you’re following a car, leave at least four seconds of time between you and the car in front of you if going 45 mph.
• Water damage. Damage as a result of rain or freezing pipes, occurs more often between October and December than in any of the other months.
• Fires from candles, cooking, and fireplaces caused over 45% of the home fires in the fall months. According to Ready.gov, more than 2,500 people lose their lives in house fires each year, and another 12,600 are injured. 
• Theft from vehicles. From October through December, more cars are broken into at shopping malls, due to increased holiday shopping. Always place your packages out of light in the trunk when going back and forth from your car to the stores.
• Snow, ice and rain accidents. Winter weather, even in warmer parts of the country, creates increased hazards and accidents. 37% of all skidding and snow claims occur between October and December.
• Home burglaries increase about 33% during the fall. Keep your doors locked, use motion detectors, and turn on your home alarm.

In the next few days, we will be watching children scramble from house to house in search of the elusive Halloween treat.  However, keeping our kids safe as they are out Halloween night is always a concern. 

Safety tips for kids

• Never, ever, go into a house.
• Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling
• An adult or an older responsible child should always accompany young children. Even older children should go trick-or-treating with an adult, or with friends.  Never go out alone.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on.
• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective.
• Do not eat homemade food.
• Examine all candy.  If it has been opened, toss it out.
• Use a flashlight.

At Westgate Insurance Agency LLC we believe our greatest asset is the relationships we build with our clients and we are dedicated to being the right choice for all of your insurance and financial needs. We take pride in our ability to tailor a comprehensive package that maximizes your insurance protection while minimizing money out of your pocket.