It’s hot, it’s dry and we are all out to enjoy celebrating our freedom and Independence. With all of the fun, folks, party hosting and celebrating, there are some things you need to watch out for when it comes to these nasty potential 4th of July Insurance Claims.
Fireworks!
Typically we can and do leave the heavy artillery to the pros. However some people choose to take the lighting up of the night sky upon themselves. Keep in mind that because it is summer, it tends to be hot, and therefore dry, which creates a perfect environment for fires to start. Fireworks are notorious for injuries. People can be killed, burned, or blow up and permanently disfigured from fireworks. While burns are most common, every 5th of July brings floods of news segments dedicated to those that have dies or lost limbs leading to costly medical bills and Health Insurance Claims. All of which as we know are never completely covered by health insurance policies, either by virtue of deductibles, co-pays or other out of pocked costs like lost work. On average approximately 10,000 Americans take trips to the emergency room every July 4th.
Our pets, the furrier, more cuddly members of our family are not exempt either. Loud bangs, hot sparks, burning embers, and pet curiosity give rise to both burst ear drums and burnt skin, causing countless of veterinary visits each year.
Property is also a huge victim. Be it a neighbors car, home, or fence, or even an open window on your own car, it doesn’t take long for a 2,000 degree renegade firework to light up more than just the sky. So watch out for both claims on your property insurance or auto insurance, or a certified nastygram from the neighbors for a liability insurance claim against you for damage you did to their stuff. On average… about $50,000,000 in inflation adjusted property damage is claimed each year.
Eat, be merry, and Drink… But not too much drinking.
Like most festive holidays, booze is also part of this equation. BBQ’s, family and friends are too much of a perfect setting for some people to get just as lit up as the evening skies. Each 4th of July, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration expects over 30,000,000 Americans to be traveling the roads. Mix those traffic figures with a little bit of beer and liquor and according to recent study, a whopping 40% of highways deaths between 2007 and 2011 were a result of accidents over the July 4th holiday weekends.If you are going to drink, have a designated driver, hail a cab, or plan a sleepover. Remember a DWI or DUI can stay on your driving record for up to 10 years and cost you an increase in your car insurance of up to 50% per year. Add this to the loss of a vehicle, legal fees, and or your driver license, and you could be looking at tens of thousands in financial hurt. Furthermore, damage to your vehicle to to vehicles of others might not be covered by your auto insurance, because it is a CRIME.
Drowning
Akin to the aforementioned drinking, coupled with some fun in the sun, either at the pool or beach, can lead to some costly and irreparable losses. Being out in the hot sun causes fatigue, add that to an increased number of people in the pool, or at the beach, and maybe toss in a drink or two, and you have the recipe for disaster. Keep an eye on your kids, don’t take unnecessary chances and remember to play it safe. Limit swimming to 30 minutes at a time or less, be wary of “No Diving” signs and warnings, don’t swim out further than you deem safe, watch for “rip current” warnings.
Boating Accidents
Much like the driving scenario, when you mix an increase in boaters on the water, with some casual or not-so-casual drinking, the potential for there to be accidents increases as well. In addition to memorial and Labor days, the 4th of July is a big day for boating and water sports. Remember to always wear a life preserver, always keep head counts, and always pay attention to your surroundings. Drinking while operating a boating is illegal ,just like operating a car. Make sure your captain du jour is sober. The last thing you need is a claim for a dinged or sinking boat, or a liability claim for the fifty-footer you sank.
Grilling
Outdoor cooking is a huge July 4th pastime. So whether you’re grilling up some burgers and dogs, or frying a whole darn turkey, make sure of the following:
- Your grill is in good, clean working order. Make sure you clean out grease containers and any other flammable debris.
- Make sure your propane tank is connected tightly and take a moment to inspect it for damage.
- Stop and smell around for any leaks and look for any clogs. If your burners are not on full afterburner when it’s cranked up, you might have a blockage.
- Don’t wear loose clothing when grilling, it’s possible to be part of the meal if you catch fire.
- If using charcoal, don’t ad more lighter fluid than you need. And certainly don’t add any to an already lit grill.
- Make sure to keep the grill covered so embers aren’t blown out by breezes or gusts of wind.
- Don’t grill indoors with your outdoor grill. Got it?
