Happy Holidays From Alpine Insurance

The holiday season is officially here. And our team at Alpine Insurance wants to give you and your family a warm season’s greetings and a happy new year! We want to take this opportunity to thank you, our customer, for your continued support. We appreciate your business and couldn’t be more proud to serve Alberta’s local economy.

Alpine Insurance believes in giving back to those who need it most, regardless of the time of year. For this reason, we are involved in the community and support many organizations, including:

• Red Deer Special Olympics
• Autism Asperger’s Friendship Society
• Children’s Hospital Activity Book
• Food Banks Across the province of Alberta
• Brown Bagging for Kids lunch program.
• SOS School Safety Magazines
• Calgary Herald Christmas Fund
• Alberta Alpine Ski Association
• Alberta World Cup Academy
• Children’s Hospital Activity Book

Getting ready for the holidays

With the holidays come family gatherings, delicious food, and exciting celebrations with our loved ones. But it also means more cars out on the road, leaving our homes empty as we visit family and friends, and increased usage of stoves and other kitchen appliances with more cooking and baking.

Unfortunately, insurance companies experience more claims around the holidays – particularly with house fires, theft, and car accidents. So naturally, nobody wants to spend their holidays ringing in the new year dealing with these overwhelming issues.

That’s why we’ve gathered our top insurance tips to help you get through the holidays safely.

Car insurance tips for the holidays

• Check with your insurance broker about your car insurance coverage, limits, and deductible payment to fully understand what you’re covered for. This process helps you gain peace of mind and approach the holidays with no surprises.
• Always lock your car, even if you’re parking in the garage. Car theft increases during the holidays.
• If you don’t already have one, install a car alarm.
• Remove any valuables or if you must store them in your vehicle, keep them hidden.
• Check weather conditions before you leave.
• Drive with extra caution – it’s better to be late than to have to deal with an insurance claim, car repairs, injuries, or a serious car accident.
• Equip your vehicle with a winter safety kit, including blankets, a first aid kit, snacks, water, air-activated hot packs, jump starters, a shovel, matches or a lighter.
• Be sure your spare tire is in good condition.
• Never text or eat while driving.
• Never drink and drive.

Home insurance tips for the holidays

• Revisit your home insurance policy and ask your insurance broker to clarify any areas that are confusing. Be sure to inquire about special insurance you may need for certain valuable items or equipment.
• Keep real Christmas trees away from heat sources.
• Shut off Christmas lights and electronic decor when not at home and overnight.
• Keep candles away from flammable material and double-check that they are off before leaving the house or heading to bed.
• Don’t leave food on the stove or in the oven unattended. If you must run to the grocery store to quickly get an ingredient that you’re missing, ensure you shut your appliances off, even if this causes a delay in your cooking.
• Make sure all doors and windows are shut and locked before you leave. Most home theft occurs through the front door. We recommend putting extra security, including a motion-sensor camera and alarm.
• Shovel pathways and driveways soon after a snowfall and remove ice promptly to minimize the risk of accidents and injury on your property.

Travel insurance tips for the holidays

• Inquire about seasonal property insurance if you’re a snowbird and are away during the winter months.
• If travelling outside Alberta, ensure you have adequate travel insurance for you and your family: Medical insurance, baggage insurance, additional trip coverage, and more.
• Be sure to have a friend or family member check on your house from time to time while you’re away.
• Make a list of everything you need to check before leaving, including ensuring that appliances and taps are shut off.
• Suppose you’re frequently away over the holidays. In that case, we recommend installing a simple, smart home system, such as a doorbell with a motion-detector camera. This smart garage door opener alerts you when anyone accesses the door, smart lighting that runs on a timer, and a smart thermostat can also be set on a schedule.
• Last but certainly not least, our most important tip is to enjoy this holiday season with your loved ones. We look forward to serving you in the new year!

Warm wishes,

The Team At Alpine Insurance