Summertime Insurance Tips to Help Your Summer Be Safe and Worry-Free

It’s summertime! Nothing like a vacation to shed off everyday life and “become one” with the great outdoors. But before you do, this is the perfect time to take a few steps to make your summer safe and worry-free. While it’s a time to have fun with friends and family, it’s also important to keep insurance needs in mind, especially when vacationing, entertaining or enjoying other warm-weather activities.

For Your Home and Property:

 • Installing a pool, or already have one? Pools increase your liability risk so you will need to bring your homeowners policy up-to-date. Most policies include a minimum of $100,000 worth of liability protection, but pool owners may want to consider increasing the coverage amount to at least $500,000 to $1 million.

 • Having a yard sale? Your homeowners and renter’s insurance policies may provide liability protection to cover you against lawsuits if someone is injured, or if items are damaged on your property. But, don’t leave it to chance. Be sure to read your policy or contact your insurance agent for assistance.

 • Hosting a party? Look into a Social Host liability policy, which covers claims arising from injuries that may occur in your home. Policies can be purchased for limits ranging from $50,000 to $2 million.

 For Your Travel:

 • Renting a car? Your declarations page should state whether the coverage and deductibles you have on your own car apply to a rental vehicle. If it doesn’t, consider buying the rental car insurance coverage offered by the agency. If you are traveling internationally we highly recommend purchasing auto insurance in that country, as we cannot predict how their laws might (or might not) apply.

 • Do you own a boat or a jet ski? If you own a personal watercraft, it’s wise to purchase insurance coverage that includes bodily injury, property damage, liability and theft. If renting any type of watercraft, be sure to ask what type of insurance coverage the owner or operator has.

For Your Health, Belongings and Personal Effects:

 • Traveling away from home? Depending on your location and medical condition, you might want to check with your health insurance company to find out what type of coverage you have when you travel. Be sure to carry your insurance card with you.

 • Items stolen while on vacation? In most cases, your homeowners policy will cover your personal property nearly anywhere in the world, less your deductible. Be sure to read your policy for dollar limits on items such as jewelry, silverware and other valuables.

 • Need to insure your trip? Some insurance companies offer bundled packages of travel insurance that cover problems like identity theft, delayed or lost baggage, cancellation or medical issues. But just like any other type of policy, be sure to review it thoroughly because not all policies are the same.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you chose to insure your trip, be sure you are purchasing travel insurance and not cancellation waivers. A company we recommend for travel insurance is Seven Corners (SevenCorners.com). Be sure to check them out for more information.

At United Agencies, what’s important to you is important to us. Contact your UA agent or feel free to reach out to us online for assistance. Wishing you a happy and safe summer!