Summer is the time for kicking back,
soaking up the sun, and having fun with your friends. However, summer
can also give rise to some less-desirable effects on your insurance
policies. To avoid being stung by an unexpected insurance issue that
could leave you out of pocket, take a few moments to familiarize
yourself with the top five ways in which the arrival of summer can have
an impact on your insurance policies.
Heat Waves
During the summer, temperatures rise. Not only will you feel hotter,
but your home and your vehicle will also be affected by the heat. One
consequence of summer heat is that household air conditioners are forced
to work overtime in order to keep the inhabitants cool. This increased
use will put a strain on the air conditioner, increasing the likelihood
that it will break down. To avoid being faced with a repair bill that
you simply cannot afford, you should make sure that your air conditioner
is covered by an insurance policy. It would also be a smart move to
carry out some routine maintenance on your air conditioner to decrease
the likelihood of the unit breaking down and necessitating an insurance
claim. Choosing to take preventative action rather than waiting for a
breakdown and then claiming on an insurance policy could help to keep
your insurance premiums low.
Thunderstorms
The other weather condition to watch out for in summer is
thunderstorms. Summer storms can lead to flash flooding, which can wreak
devastation on homes and other properties. Most home insurance policies
do not cover flooding, so you may need to take out a separate flood
insurance policy to cover you against this summer weather hazard.
Summer Travel
Summer is traditionally the time of year that people take a vacation
in another part of the country or even overseas. If you are traveling
abroad, you need to organize travel insurance before you leave. Even if
you are traveling within your own country, you should check which
hospitals you can use in the area where you will be traveling. Many
health insurance policies require you to use particular hospitals, so
make sure you know which ones are allowed on your policy before you
travel.
Road Conditions
The hot summer weather can worsen the state of the roads. The road
surface can crack in the heat, leading to potholes, which can cause
serious damage to a vehicle that drives over them at high speed.
Although most insurance policies cover pothole damage, you might find
that your premiums rise as a result of your claim. The best way to limit
the damage caused by potholes is to reduce your speed when driving.
Summer Activities
Summer brings many exciting opportunities for having fun in the sun.
From swimming to skydiving, summer is the time to try a new activity,
but before you dive in, check that you have the necessary insurance
coverage in case something goes wrong. Standard travel insurance
policies do not cover all activities, so you may need to take out extra
sports insurance or upgrade to a more comprehensive travel insurance
policy.
For more information about insuring your home and family this summer, call 800-375-8356. You can get a free Oklahoma City home insurance quote for any extra insurance you need to keep you safe this summer.
