Aside from parties and shopping for gifts, the Christmas season is also associated with an increase in theft and car damage claims, according to State Insurance.
A recent survey by State and Ipsos found that 67% of Kiwis are looking forward to spending quality time with friends and family, while 51% want to relax at home. However, State’s claims numbers also show a pre-Christmas spike in “damage while parked” vehicle claims, with daily claims jumping by 33% in the week leading up to Christmas. The insurer also found a 13% increase in contents theft claims, including claims for theft from cars, in the lead-up to Christmas.
“It’s not unusual for cars to be scratched and dinged when car parks are busy, and for shopping and Christmas gifts to be stolen at this time of year – all of which can really add to the seasonal stress,” said Wayne Tippet (pictured above), executive general manager of claims at State. “And while we’re here for our customers when unexpected things go wrong, we know that our customers would rather prevent incidents from occurring in the first place and enjoy the holiday season uninterrupted.”
The survey also found that nearly half of Kiwis say that having to think of what presents to buy family and friends is stressful, especially among 18- to 24-year-olds. Aside from thinking of what to buy, the process of buying a gift is also stressful, with 53% of respondents saying that searching for a parking spot at a shopping centre is stressful, which increased to 67% for 25- to 34-year-olds.
Kiwis are now as open to shopping online (55%), as they are to grab a gift at the shopping mall (53%), with 38% planning to support local retailers and artists. More than 25% of 25- to 34-year-olds said they prefer giving handmade gifts.
Even online shopping comes with its risks and stressors, with 16% of respondents saying they have had a package or their mail stolen from their doorstep or letterbox.
“With COVID lockdowns resulting in an increase in online shopping, we’ve also seen a trend in packages going missing from right outside people’s homes,” Tippet said. “These thefts are usually opportunistic, with thieves also on the hunt for their Christmas shopping, so getting your packages delivered to an alternative pick-up point is a good idea. Out of sight, out of mind, is generally the safest option.”
Financial pressures are causing Kiwis stress, especially following the disruption caused by lockdown. Almost half of respondents said they find budgeting for Christmas stressful, while over a third of Kiwis say they’re planning to spend less on Christmas shopping this year than last year.
“Insurance is important throughout the year, but now is a good opportunity to check you have the right amount of cover and your contents sum insured is up-to-date, including any new items from generous friends and family,” Tippet said. “And by taking a few simple precautions with your belongings and security, hopefully we can all get through the holiday season safely.”
