Summer is made for fun. Boat outings, summer road trips, street fairs. The last thing anyone wants to think about is making a theft or an accident claim. But let’s face it: it happens, especially in the summer.
Vandals, Mischief, and Theft
The return of summertime always means that theft and accident insurance claims go up. Here’s how to help reduce the chance that your property and belongings will strike the bad guys as the perfect targets this summer.
Leave no items, not even those that aren’t very valuable, in plain view in your car. Stowing them in the trunk before you leave home is always your best bet. Even when shopping it’s not a bad idea to stow your items in the trunk. Always try to park as near to your destination as you can, or at the least in a well-lit area as it can go a long way for safety.
Boating and RVing
Summer has a way of making us all want to ht the water or the highway. Great lakes, rivers, national parks and ravel resorts seem to call our names. No surprise, then, that accident insurance claims for boats and RVs jump significantly during the spring and summer.
Simple prevention methods can make a big difference in helping to ensure that you and your family’s chances of boating or RV accident insurance claims are reduced. When you’re on the water, all boat passengers should wear life jackets!
Just got your very first RV? Keep in mind that a significant percentage of RV accident claims are related to drivers who are inexperienced in operating these large vehicles. Taking an RV safety class before you put the wheels on the highway can really help you and your family stay safe.
No matter what type of vehicle you operate this summer, be sure to do a thorough check to ensure that it’s road or sea worthy. Engine fluids should be topped up and fresh, boat bottom well maintained, RV tires properly inflated, etc. And whether on the road or on the water, keep a well-planned emergency aid kit on board.
Tire Blowouts
Summer sees more long-distance road travel than any other season. So it’s no wonder that summer time blowouts have a lot to do with a rise in accident insurance claims. These blowouts can cause serious injury and damage. Under-inflation is a primary reason for them.
Checking tire pressure every two weeks with a tire gauge is a sound vehicle maintenance habit to get into. Follow the tire pressure recommendations in your owner’s manual. You should also be able to find that information inside the driver-side door or inside the trunk.
Also regularly check for tire wear, cracks, or sharp objects pushing into the walls or treads. Include regular checks for tread depth. Using a penny to ensure you have proper depth works very well. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread has worn too thin. Time to replace those tires!
Motorcycling and ATVing
With motorcycles and ATVs, accidents can be particularly deadly. Wearing the proper gear can make the difference between life and death. Riding wear should include boots, gloves, jackets, helmets and long pants.
Vigilance saves lives, too. Keep a “weather eye” out for obstacles, both living and inanimate. Things like animals crossing the roadway, potholes, and loose gravel can all cause wipe-outs.
Fatigue While Driving
A recent poll by the National Sleep Foundation shows that 60% of U.S. drivers admit they have operated a vehicle while feeling sleepy. 37% admit to falling asleep behind the wheel. As the days heat up in summer, hot weather contributes to an uptick in accident insurance claims.
Don’t risk your life or those of your passengers. If you’re driving alone and become groggy, pull into a safe area as soon as possible and rest until the fatigue passes. If there’s another licensed driver in the vehicle, trade shift in driving.
The more you know about how the summer season impacts these aspects the better you, your family, and your friends can enjoy themselves. Making sure your insurance is current and up-to-date will increase your peace of mind, too.
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