Experts urge insurance preparedness as holiday risks rises

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - As the holiday season kicks off, it brings plenty of joy, but it’s also one of the busiest times of the year for accidents and unexpected emergencies.

From house fires and cooking mishaps to package thefts and winter travel delays, families often face more seasonal risks than they realize.

According to Farmers Insurance Agency Owner Brian McCray, having the right insurance in place can make all the difference.

“Many people underestimate holiday risks such as fire, theft, travel disruptions, and increased driving,” McCray said.

This time of year, those risks rise quickly. McCray said strong, up-to-date coverage matters more than ever. A little planning and a few smart precautions can prevent a holiday mishap from becoming a major setback.

Holiday travel, McCray says, is one of the biggest concerns.

“Holiday travel is statistically 14% more dangerous than any other time during the year, not only do winter hazards like icy roads, poor visibility, and limited daylight increase the chances of an accident, but drivers also speed more frequently and are more distracted during Thanksgiving and Christmas,” McCray said.

McCray encourages families to double-check their replacement cost coverage and review their contents and liability limits before holiday plans pick up.

If something is missing or outdated, he said making changes is quick and simple.

“Coverage can be adjusted quickly, allowing homeowners, renters, and auto policies to update limits or add protections almost immediately, travel insurance can also be purchased promptly within the required window, and agents can assist with coverage gap analysis or a checklist to identify client exposures,” McCray said.

As a Wichita Falls native, McCray said protecting families in the community is personal to him.

“I would like to make sure that our people here are well taken care of and have a reliable source that they can reach out to in the event that something was to happen,” McCray said.

If you’re looking to review your insurance coverage or connect with a local agent, click here.