On
Trick-or-Treat nights around Iowa, increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic
paired with weather changes and the distractions of costumes and candy can lead
to more accidents. State health departments report that pedestrian-vehicle
accidents are four times more likely to occur during Trick-or-Treat nights. For the most part, general liability
homeowners insurance will provide defense coverage for bodily injury or property
damage for your negligence. But, how can we stay safe on the streets? Here are a few simple precautions to stay safe.
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Decorations
Use flameless candles and keep decorations
away from lights that may get hot.
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Lighting
Keep your property well-lit.
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Move obstacles
These could be ordinary tripping hazards like
a garden hose or tree roots. If you have a chip in the pavement, consider
placing a pumpkin or hay bail on top of that area to redirect traffic. Clear
your sidewalks of snow or leaves.
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| HalloweenCostumes.com |
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Secure your pets
Your pouch may be cuddly with you, but you
never know what demeanor could trip their trigger. Keep pets away from people
for the protection of the animal and visitors. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), more than one-third
of all liability claims paid in 2012 by homeowners insurance companies were the
result of dog bites, totaling $479 million.
Check with your agent to make sure your dog is covered under your homeowner’s
policy.
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Costume Choice
Think warm, trip-reducing, and light-weight
with minimal accessories.
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Inspect your candy to make sure it is individually wrapped
- Comprehensive Auto Insurance
Trick-or-Treat night can give citizens a wild hair. The good news: Vandalism to your car is covered by your comprehensive auto insurance.
“I would say most people have a $250 or $500 deductible for comprehensive
on the auto policy. As to whether a
client files a claim is totally up to them and each person is different. I think insurance is to be used for the
‘catastrophic’ times when it will put us in a financial hardship and not just
because we have it,” says Jayson Jones of Jones Insurance and Associates.
People may consider filing a claim worthwhile if they receive estimates for damage repair that are more costly than they would want to pay out of pocket.
Melinda Warren
Jones Insurance & Associates Contributor
