When you think of Christmas shopping, a few things probably come to mind… large crowds, big sales, and a rush to find the perfect gift for friends and family. This time of year, people all over the U.S. are thrown into a frenzy, searching for gifts to give their loved ones during the holiday season. It can be a period that drives the best sales of the year for some businesses, but with that comes a risk of violence and criminal activity. We’ve put together a few tips to help you stay safe when holiday shopping this year!
The right parking spot is key.
Auto break-ins are very common during the holiday shopping period. The best way to prevent someone from breaking into your car is to park in a well-lit area close to other people and other cars. If there are a lot of cars and people around and the area is well-lit at night, thieves are significantly less likely to smash in your window and take your belongings or gifts that you might have been standing in line for hours to purchase.
Keep your new items out of sight.
Another way to prevent a break-in is to make sure that you are hiding your belongings or gifts in your automobile; for example, in the trunk if you have one, or under a cargo cover in an SUV or minivan. If your car looks empty, odds are burglars won’t take the time to break into your vehicle just to check it out. I recently read news reports about a streak of break-ins in our old neighborhood because of pocket change. The thief or thieves were breaking car windows and stealing the change in people’s change holders, cup holders, etc. I say this to show that someone might be willing to break into steal an insignificant amount of money or property that is not something you'd consider valuable. So make sure even your loose change is hidden!
Your insurance could have you covered.
If you happen to be the victim of someone breaking into your car this holiday season, you should know that your auto insurance most likely won’t cover your lost belongings. The good news, though, is that if you have homeowners or renters insurance, your insurance company may cover your belongings under your personal property coverage on your policy.
Aside from auto break-ins, you can find more safety shopping tips from the National Crime Prevention Council here!
If you have any questions about your insurance policy, or are looking for an insurance agent in Central Florida, give us a call (407.846.6421), email me, or use one of the links below!
