Almost every broker out there sends holiday greeting cards to their clients, but are they shedding light on important safety issues when people are lighting their festive decorations?
Alex Walker, claims relationship director at RSA Insurance, offers these tips to brokers about how to make sure their book of clients doesn’t go up in festive flames this holiday season.
When should brokers send out safety tips for the holidays and Christmas, and how should it be presented?
Brokers should aim to reach their clients as they begin thinking about the holiday season. Early December is an ideal time to broach the subject and to get the conversation started so that people can plan adequately for the weeks ahead. Given the hectic time of year, safety tips should be presented as clearly and concisely as possible in a format that can be a quick reference for busy households.
Is an email sufficient, or are holiday cards from the brokerage remain the contact of choice?
Often the most efficient and widely embraced forms of communication, email is generally a reliable way to reach the majority of clients. However, there is no guarantee that those on the receiving end are not glossing over an inundated inbox as the holiday messaging starts to flow in. However, because people tend to have an eye on their mailbox over the holidays, sending a card is also a great way to get the safety message out there. To cover all bases, consider both methods of communication.
What are the basics to keep a Christmas tree green and flame-resistant?
The Christmas tree can be the centrepiece of the home over the holidays and a few simple tricks will help make it last. If picking out a live tree, look for one that is not too dry and trim at least one inch from the bottom to increase its ability to absorb water. Also, water it often so it stays lush, as dry trees are more susceptible to fires. If purchasing an artificial tree, make sure it is labeled “Fire Resistant” – although this does not mean it will not catch fire; it will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. Finally, always keep Christmas trees far away from heat sources such as candles, radiators and fireplaces.
What should they be looking for when purchasing lights and decorations?
When purchasing lights, clients should be looking for a reputable brand that has been tested for safety and that meets the necessary standards. Once at home, lights designed for indoor use should not be strung outside, as they will not be able to withstand the elements and may cause electric shock if damaged. If erecting a metallic tree, do not buy electric lights because they could cause electrocution if charged. Lastly, avoid designs that are sharp or breakable when choosing decorations, and keep small objects out of the reach of children.
’Tis the season to imbibe; but are clients aware of their liability should a party guest choose to drink and drive?
Every good party host will offer an assortment of food and beverages, but should also be conscious of how much guests indulge. When we welcome people into our homes, we are responsible for protecting them from harm and are at risk if a guest’s actions lead to an accident or injury. First things first: before hosting a party, ensure that the appropriate insurance coverage is in place.
Though many homeowner insurance policies provide liability coverage, the scope of the policy may be limited. Also, hosts should be sure that their guests have safe transportation home and should encourage their party-goers to have a designated driver or to take a taxi. The host should also serve enough food throughout the evening to absorb the alcohol that is being consumed, and should not be afraid to cut guests off who may have had one too many cocktails and be prepared to assume responsibility for them getting home safely.
Christmas in Canada means snowy steps and icy sidewalks, and the responsibility homeowners have for slip and falls. Is your client covered sufficiently?
Property owners and residents are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for their guests, and guests have a reasonable expectation of not getting injured while out visiting. Should an accident occur, however, premises liability insurance is designed to protect homeowners against any lawsuit that might follow an injury. This insurance typically covers legal fees and will pay for most damages that have been deemed unintentional by the homeowner.
The Grinch can appear out of nowhere. Do clients know what to watch for and guard against to prevent the theft of Christmas gifts?
Though the holidays are a time for celebrating with loved ones, they also mean an increase in break-ins and theft. Given the social nature of the season, people are often away from their homes, and power shopping means that cars are usually stocked with high-priced gifts. By taking a few simple steps, however, clients can relieve some of the stress that arises this time of year. When going out, leave the lights on at home to discourage potential trespassers and hide any purchases in the car’s trunk when out and about.
Also, consider installing home or vehicle security alarms that can be easily activated when away. Finally, clients should protect their assets with the right homeowners, renters and / or automobile insurance.
The freeze/thaw cycle as winter sets in can burst pipes right before the turkey is being served. Do clients have adequate home insurance, especially with big ticket items like flat screen TVs now located in the basement?
Not all home insurance policies cover flood damage, so the first thing homeowners will need to do is review their policies. To ensure that their coverage adequately meets their needs, clients should speak to a broker about any changes that may be required. Water damage can generate significant losses and, unfortunately, frozen water pipes represent a big potential problem. In order to prevent bursts due to cold weather consider fitting exposed pipes with insulation sleeves and ensure that your outside water supply is cut off and properly drained.
