How to Protect Yourself From Summer Insurance Risks

As you look forward to backyard barbecues, pool parties, and RV road trips, it’s important to consider how your summer plans can affect your insurance risks. Your home, auto, and recreational vehicle policies may need a few adjustments to help you safely enjoy the season.

Keep reading to learn about common summer insurance claims, the factors and activities that may raise risk, and key policy changes that may help protect you and your family this summer.

What Are Common Summer Insurance Claims?

Several insurance claims are more likely to happen during the summer months, including:

Outdoor home fires
Auto accidents, with fatal crashes peaking in September, according to the National Safety Council (NSC)
Siding, roof, and water damage from storms, floods and hurricanes
Recreational accidents from boating and swimming
Home break-ins

While your personal insurance may cover most or all of these risks, you should assess your coverage level to ensure your policy limits will cover a costly claim.

Factors That May Raise Your Summer Insurance Risk

Some summer activities and events may put you at higher risk of experiencing an insurable event, such as:

Long Vacations

Leaving your home vacant for a long period of time may increase your risk of a home break-in or unnoticed property damage.

Summer Storms and Natural Disasters

If you live in an area prone to flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, or hurricanes, you have a higher chance of experiencing a disaster-related claim.

Summer Parties

From lighting off fireworks to lighting up the grill, certain activities that happen at summer celebrations can potentially cause property damage. Additionally, guests may get injured playing in jungle gyms, swimming in your pool, or walking around your property at night, which could lead to a liability claim.

Owning a Pool

Having a pool may make you one of the most popular homes on the street, but it also raises your insurance risks significantly. Pool-related accidents can lead to an expensive homeowner’s insurance claim.

Boating

If you plan to take your boat out on the lake this summer, you’ll need sufficient boating coverage. Whether someone gets injured during a boating accident or you collide with a dock, boating coverage can help pay for the damage.

Road Trips

Spending hours driving can raise your risk of a car accident, flat tire, or windshield chip. Personal auto insurance and recreational vehicle insurance can help cover common incidents on the road.

Adjusting Your Insurance Policies for Summer

To protect yourself against summer insurance risks, consider adjusting your personal insurance policies. Here are a few tips for your home, auto, and RV insurance to add coverage for the summer:

Home Insurance

If you have a pool or plan to host several summer parties, consider raising your liability insurance limit to protect against large claims.
If you recently added an outdoor structure, such as a fence, shed, garage, or pool, be sure to add coverage for other dwellings to protect against storm and fire damage.
Talk to your insurance agency if you’re planning a long vacation to ensure you’ll be covered if a claim occurs while you’re gone.

Auto Insurance

Consider raising your coverage limits to protect against potential car accidents, uninsured drivers, and storm damage.
If you rent a car for a road trip, see if your auto insurance will cover potential damage.
If you have college-aged kids who will be driving while home for the summer, be sure to add them to your policy for the season.

Recreational Vehicle Insurance

Even though boating insurance isn’t required in many states, operating an uninsured boat is unwise. Ask your insurance agency about getting a policy.
Assess your boat and RV limits to see if they’re sufficient for a large claim. If not, work with your insurance provider to raise your limits.
Consider the items you’ll be hauling on your boat and RV, such as camping or fishing equipment, and see if your policy will cover loss or damage.

From boats to RVs, NEC Insurance can help you find customized policies for all your recreational vehicles.

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Special Summer Insurance Considerations

In addition to your home, auto, RV, and boat insurance, you may need additional policies to protect your home and family this summer. Here are some summer insurance coverages to consider:

Travel Insurance for Summer Vacations

Whether you’re headed on an overseas excursion or a domestic cruise, travel insurance can provide valuable protection for the unexpected. Your travel insurance policy can cover last-minute trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and other travel-related issues. If you’re spending a significant amount on travel and accommodations, consider buying a travel insurance policy to protect your financial risks.

Flood Insurance for Surprise Storms

While your homeowner’s insurance typically covers storm damage, most policies explicitly exclude damage from floods. A flood insurance policy can help cover your home and other dwellings if you experience water damage from a storm or flash flood. With an ever-increasing risk of flooding, purchasing coverage can save you thousands of dollars in damage and help replace lost possessions.

Umbrella Insurance for Increased Auto and Home Risks

If you have several summer insurance risk factors, such as owning a pool and boat, umbrella insurance can increase your coverage across the board. For example, if a particularly expensive claim costs more than your auto or homeowner’s insurance will cover, your umbrella policy will kick in to help cover the difference. Your insurance agency can help determine if you need an umbrella policy to cover your personal risks.

Cover Your Summer Insurance Risks With NEC Insurance

Before summer is in full swing, turn to NEC Insurance to evaluate your coverage and make strategic changes. Our team of experts can help you understand your risks, adjust your current policies, and secure new coverages to protect your home and belongings.