PCI Tips to Prevent Parking Lot Claims During the Holidays

While the holiday season can be full of excitement and great shopping deals, it’s also the time of the year when parking lots can be chaotic and full of hazards. The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) is offering tips to help shoppers have a claim-free driving experience.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 20 percent of all vehicle collisions that result in damage claims happen in parking lots. Additionally, during the holidays parking lots can become magnets for thieves who target vehicles to steal or those with visible shopping bags left behind.

"While few things dampens the holiday spirit faster than a fender bender or car theft, if you experience either of these events it is comforting to know that your auto insurance company may be able to help you,” said Bob Passmore, PCI’s senior director, personal lines. “With so many shoppers in a hurry and often distracted, accidents are common. It is important to pay close attention to your surroundings and use extra caution while driving. Thieves often use the hustle and bustle of the season as an opportunity to steal vehicles. So be sure to lock your vehicle, engage your alarm system if you have one and keep shopping bags, cell phones, purses and other personal property out of sight. It’s always a good idea to protect yourself and be extra vigilant so you’re not a target.”

In the event you have an accident...

Be prepared to document the details regarding where the claim occurred and collect insurance and driver’s license information from the other motorist. For a stolen vehicle gather information such as license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN) and registration and report the theft to the police immediately.

How your insurance works...

The comprehensive portion of your auto insurance will cover the theft of your vehicle or damage to the vehicle due to vandalism or a break-in. However, it may be your homeowners or renters insurance policy that covers any personal property stolen from your vehicle. For personal property theft, you will need receipts or other items that describe the property and document its value. Be sure to talk with your insurance company or agent about your coverage and endorsement options for things like person property coverage.

PCI Tips to Have a Claim Free Shopping Trip

1.) Take your time and slow down, everyone is in a hurry and it’s best to plan ahead and make sure plan for extra time in parking lots to avoid any accidents

2.) Assume no one else is paying attention, make sure you scan the surrounding and watch for pedestrians who dart in front of your car

3.) Stay off your cell phone, don’t have any other distractions

4.) Make sure you place your shopping bags and even extra money in the trunk of your car to avoid thieves from attempting to break-in your car.

5.) Plan for sudden stops, it’s a good idea to avoid the front of the shopping entrances where you’ll potentially find more pedestrians who could possible dart out in front of your vehicle or possibly not paying attention and on their smartphones.

If your vehicle is stolen, report the theft to the police immediately and contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible. Personal property stolen from a vehicle may be covered under your homeowners or renters insurance policy. A list of personal property stolen with your vehicle. Coverage for personal items varies from state to state, and your homeowners or renters insurance policy may provide additional coverage for personal items that were stolen.

PCI is composed of more than 1,000 member companies, representing the broadest cross-section of insurers of any national trade association. PCI members write over $195 billion in annual premium, 39 percent of the nation’s property casualty insurance. Member companies write 46 percent of the U.S. automobile insurance market, 32 percent of the homeowners market, 37 percent of the commercial property and liability market, and 41 percent of the private workers compensation market.

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