We all know Fall and Winter bring with them cold, wet weather, mixed with the hunting and holiday seasons. And unfortunately with these seasons come lots of accidents and claims. We just wanted to highlight some stats and hopefully provide some tips that will prevent the following accidents and claims.
Some of the most common incidents include:
- Rear-end collisions – These occur due to increases in rain. If you’re following a car please leave at least four seconds of time between you and the car in front of you if going 45 mph.
- Water damage – Taking proper precautions when temperatures begin to stay below freezing can keep pipes from freezing and busting. Also, check to make sure your roof and gutters are in good shape.
- Fires from candles, cooking, and fireplaces caused over 45% of the home fires in the fall months – According to gov, more than 2,500 people lose their lives in house fires each year, and another 12,600 are injured.
- Theft from vehicles – Two words–holiday shopping! From October through December, more cars are broken into at shopping malls than any other months. Try to place your packages out of sight or in the trunk when going back and forth from your car to the stores. In case of an incident like this, the policyholder needs to have comprehensive coverage.
- Snow, ice and rain accidents – 37% of all skidding and snow claims occur between October and December. It’s best just to stay home in these conditions.
- Home burglaries increase about 33% during the fall – Keep your doors locked, use motion detectors, and turn on your home alarm.
- Accidents involving animals – The Fall is prime time for deer and other animals to be moving, and often they are crossing or simply standing in the roads. Pay attention especially in the early morning and late evening. For a claim to be filed, accidents like this require the policyholder to have collision coverage.