Be Mindful of Holiday Mishaps that Could Lead to Insurance Claims, SCC’s Bureau of Insurance Advises

RICHMOND - The holiday season, for many, means good food, gifts, gatherings with friends and loved ones and engaging in special festivities. Don't let cooking fires, stolen gifts, icy sidewalks, overworked electrical outlets or other seasonal hazards dampen your holiday spirit.

The State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Insurance (Bureau) encourages Virginians to protect themselves financially against holiday mishaps by ensuring they have the insurance coverage they need.

"At home or on the road, don't let a lack of insurance coverage put the brakes on your happy holiday season," said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott White. "Review your insurance now. Understand what is and is not covered and ask your insurance agent or company if you have questions."

Review your insurance coverage and update it as needed to protect yourself and your loved ones in the event an injury, illness, theft or other mishap occurs.

Take steps now to keep your home, vehicle and belongings safe during the holidays. Know how much your auto and homeowners insurance will cover if someone steals gifts, decorations or other items from your vehicle, home or yard. Know, too, what type of insurance you need if a special holiday meal or decorations go up in flames; an undercooked turkey sends guests to the hospital; a guest slips and falls on your front steps; or frozen pipes burst causing water damage to your home.

Severe winter weather and distracted drivers can make holiday driving a challenge. Keep your auto insurance company's contact information and a copy of your insurance card with you when you drive. Review your liability limits to ensure you have adequate protection against injury or damage if you are involved in an accident during the hectic holiday rush.

Know what your health insurance will cover if you need treatment at an urgent care facility or hospital while you are out-of-state or traveling abroad. Take health insurance information with you when traveling, such as identification cards and contact details for all of your family members.

Make an early New Year's resolution to create - or update - your home inventory. An inventory can help you determine if your homeowners or renters policy provides enough coverage for your belongings and can facilitate the claims process if you have to file an insurance claim. An inventory also will help you identify high-cost items that may need separate insurance coverage such as jewelry, art or electronics.

Check to make sure you have insurance coverage for seasonal activities that you may enjoy such as skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling.

For information about a variety of insurance-related topics, contact the Bureau in Richmond at 804-371-9741 or toll-free at 1-877-310-6560 or visit its website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Insurance. Additional information also may be found on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' website at naic.org.

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Contact: Katha Treanor, 804-371-9141