WHEN IT COMES TO HOLIDAY PLANNING EUSTIS INSURANCE RECOMMENDS MAKING A LIST AND CHECKING IT TWICE

New Orleans, LA— While the holidays are a time for frivolity and fun it also a time, Don Beery, vice president of Eustis Insurance, recommends reviewing your insurance this time of year to make sure you and your wallet are protected from holiday disaster.

Holiday Shopping

Maneuvering in busy parking lots can be treacherous during the holidays.  Unpredictable traffic patterns and preoccupied drivers cause thousands of parking mishaps and cost consumers millions of dollars each year, according to the Independent Insurance Agents of America  (IIAA).

Parking lot safety tips:

• Watch for cars cutting diagonally across lots.
• Drive slowly and use your turn signal.
• When backing out, be aware of waiting cars, speeding motorists and people.
• Beware when mailing those holiday greeting cards.  Post office parking lots have the highest incidence of accidents due to frequent customer turnover.
• Don’t park between spots.
• Always roll up car windows and lock car doors.
• Always have your keys ready when approaching your vehicle and check the backseat before getting in.
• Put all shopping bags in your trunk.
• Review your insurance coverage with your agent.  Liability coverage will protect you if you hit another motorist, collision will cover the damage to your car and comprehensive will insure you for damage by vandals or theft.

Holiday Parties

A social host’s liability is no joking matter.  Many courts have found non-commercial hosts liable for the damages their party guests cause as a result of drinking at their parties and then driving.  While Louisiana statutes protect the social hosts, Beery recommends taking a few precautions when entertaining at home or at your business.

How to prevent holiday accidents and protect yourself or your business:

• Limit your guest list to those you know.
• Provide plenty of food for guests and alternative beverages.
• Arrange alternative transportation or overnight accommodations for those who cannot or should not drive home.
• Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before party is scheduled to end.
• Do not serve guests who are visibly intoxicated.
• Consider hiring an off-duty police officer to discretely monitor guests.
• Stay alert, always remembering your responsibilities as a host.
• Review your insurance policy with your agent before the event to ensure that you have the proper liability coverage.

Holiday fire safety

’Tis the season for holiday fires.  With average losses per fire at a whopping $20,000 - a cost few families can absorb - consumers should take time out to educate themselves about fire risks - from candles burning to trees ablaze - and how to protect themselves from financial disaster.

How to minimize damage from holiday fires:

• Review your coverage.
• Renters: Get covered.
• Insure valuable gifts. 
• Conduct a holiday home inventory.
• Keep gift receipts.
• Insure your home office.

Eustis Insurance, a member of the Independent Insurance Agents of America, is one of the area's largest independent insurance agencies. Founded in 1946, Eustis Insurance has offices in both New Orleans and Mandeville.