Scary Fact: Vehicle Vandalism Claims Nearly Double on Halloween

At Halloween, while you're concentrating on what costume to wear, how much candy you should buy and where the kids will go trick-or-treating, you should also be concerned about where you can safely park your car that day so it doesn't get damaged by vandalism!

The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) has found that Halloween is indeed a scary night for automobile owners in the U.S., with nearly twice as many vehicle vandalism claims as a typical day, and it is considerably worse than any other day of the year compared to the other major holidays.

The HLDI examined insurance claims for vandalism made under comprehensive coverage from 2008 through 2012. Claims such as slashed tires or smashed windows. Data was supplied by 28 companies representing more than two-thirds of the insurance market for private passenger vehicles. The average number of claims per day was 692, and the average cost per claim was $1,528. That's a total average daily cost of more than $1 million per day. And Halloween is nearly double that, approaching $2 million in vandalism claims throughout the country!

Halloween had the highest average number of claims for any of the year with 1,253. The other high-claims days were the Fourth of July, with 987, and New Year's Day, with 944.

The HLDI also found that, holidays aside, vandalism seems to occur more often on weekends and in the summer. Weekdays all had an average or below-average number of claims. In a monthly comparison, claims were highest in July, followed by August and June.

So, while you're handing out candy and enjoying all the creative costumes, keep an eye on your vehicle if it's parked outside. You don't want to be one of the unlucky ones who get "treated" to vandalism.

Source: PEMCO Insurance and the Highway Loss Data Institute

Don't Let Halloween Get Scary...Make Sure Your Home is Safe for Trick-or-Treaters

It's October and that means that Halloween is on its way!

Here at SAV-ON Insurance we love any excuse to celebrate, but Halloween is an especially fun time around the offices. However, we wouldn't be a good insurance agent if we didn't give a few good liability tips too.

You've heard most Halloween advice over and over, but it bears repeating:

   • Pack a flashlight for when it gets dark.

   • Put reflective tape on children's costumes.

   • Check the kid's candy before letting them eat any.

But what about the risks at your home?

Your homeowners insurance covers you if someone is injured on your property. But there are a few things you can do to prevent accidents before they happen!

1. Change outdoor light bulbs. Is your porch light burned out? What about lights along pathways? Good lightning will help prevent children (and adults) from tripping and injuring themselves.

2. Clear hazards. Tree limbs in your yard? A hole you've been meaning to fill? Loose or worn steps? These are all potential hazards that could cause an injury and subject you to a liability claim. Clean them up before you have people trick-or-treating at your home!

3. No open flames. While candle-filled pumpkins are fun to make, they can be dangerous, too. If you use any open flame candles, make sure they are up high and away from any loose costume pieces. Many costumes aren't flame retardant, and can burst into flames easily.

And the easiest way to protect yourself? Make sure you have plenty of liability insurance! Call SAV-ON Insurance today at 888-867-2866 to schedule a free review and detailed explanation of how we can keep your home and family protected.