Although we still do not have a new President as of this writing, things are quieting down in the nation for the holidays. I think it’s safe to say that the insurance industry will quiet down as well over the next few weeks, although of course, catastrophes wait for no calendar holidays.
If you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping yet, our technology columnist John Chivvis put together a great list of high-tech stocking stuffers (Technocracy). But what to do for the finicky client on your list? For one, you can make sure they have the coverage they need for the holiday season. Are they throwing a party? Special events policy. Selling Christmas trees out of their backyard? Plenty of coverage for that too.
In fact, the National Christmas Tree Association offers a policy underwritten by GAINSCO with general liability covering bodily injury and property damage claims arising out of all activities related to the planting, growing and selling of real Christmas trees and other Christmas items.
As a native of the top Christmas tree producing state (Oregon), I found it interesting that approximately 36 million U.S. families will be buying a tree in the month of December. According to the NCTA, 300,000 consumers will purchase their tree over the Internet or by mail order this year instead of at a tree farm or retail lot. I guess it’s a sign of the times, but how can you pick out the perfect tree without being able to bury your nose in it for a good piney whiff of Christmas?
Other kinds of seasonal coverages include electrical apparatus (Christmas lights); retail shops that specialize in Christmas supplies; floral services and interior decorators; and mall Santas, just to name a few. Over on the snowy coast, they have all kinds of snow removal coverages for residential/commercial private plowing. Fortunately, we don’t have to worry about that too much in sunny Southern California-but we still like to get cozy and light a fire when it gets down to a chilly 60 degrees.
Arrowhead offers chimney cleaning coverage that involves “the cleaning and sweeping of residential chimneys, and doesn’t include repair or stacks-chimneys over 50 feet in elevation.”
Kevin Mayo, vice president, underwriting manager for Arrowhead’s Commercial Division, said the program is offered year-round, but “people use their fireplaces more around Christmas, so it behooves them to get their chimneys cleaned.” Not to mention helping out Santa (although a separate policy for roof damage from reindeer hooves might be a good idea).
What about insurance for bell-ringers who may be at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome with all that wrist action? I saw one at the supermarket yesterday wearing a T-shirt that read: “Hi, I’m a Bell-Ringer!”-but there was no bell in sight. I guess OSHA really has cracked down everywhere (check out Catherine Tapia’s OSHA article).
And what’s December without the office Christmas party? Time for eggnog, lampshades and the infamous “White Elephant” gift exchange. The Independent Insurance Agents Association of New York recommends that potential party hosts review their homeowners’ policy with their insurance agent to determine liability coverage. “Liability issues should be considered since a host can be found liable if a guest is involved in an alcohol-related incident during or following a party,” IIAANY reports.
A good way to cover all party bases is with a special events policy, Mayo said. On a larger scale, a special events policy can cover citywide events, such as parades and Christmas festivals.
With all this in mind, a Christmas insurance poem:
The Week Before Christmas
‘Twas the week before Christmas and all through the nation,
Not a company was stirring, not even an agent.
The renewals were placed by the agents with care,
In hopes that new premiums soon would be there.
The brokers were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of commissions danced in their heads.
And IJ in its wrappings and all of our staff
Had just left the office for a short winter’s nap.
When what to our wondering eyes should appear
But a brand new President and a Happy New Year!
Best wishes to you and yours!
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