Sample issue. Written by AI for a fictional firm to show format and quality. Subject line: "Holiday season: 5 coverage gaps that show up in December". Preheader: "Package theft, delivery-app driving, holiday hosting and home-based sellers."

The holiday-season coverage check

From Maple Street Insurance (sample agency)

Hi there,

December changes how people use their homes and cars. There are more deliveries, more guests, more side income and more driving. Each one can expose a coverage gap. Here are five to check before the busiest weeks.

1. Stolen packages

Theft of delivered packages may be covered under the personal property part of a homeowners or renters policy, but your deductible applies. For most packages, the loss is smaller than the deductible, so prevention usually beats a claim:

Ship to a locker, a pickup point or your workplace when you can.
Ask for a signature on expensive items.
Bring packages in promptly or ask a neighbor to.
Report theft to the retailer or shipper first. Many will reship or refund.

2. Driving for delivery or rideshare apps

Picking up seasonal shifts with a delivery or rideshare app? Many personal auto policies exclude or limit coverage while you're driving for pay. The app company's insurance may apply only during certain stages of a trip. Many insurers offer a rideshare or delivery endorsement. Call us before your first shift, not after an accident.

3. Selling from home

Baking, crafting or reselling for the holidays? A typical homeowners policy offers only limited coverage for business property: commonly about $2,500 at home and $250 away from home (Insurance Information Institute). It may not cover business liability, such as a customer injury or a product problem, at all. Depending on the size of the business, a home-business endorsement or a small business policy can fill that gap.

4. Hosting guests

Before the party:

Clear and light walkways, steps and driveways, and salt icy spots.
Secure pets that get anxious around visitors.
If you serve alcohol, plan rides home and offer non-alcoholic drinks.
If you're hiring help (caterers, valet, a bartender), ask whether they carry their own insurance.

Hosting raises your liability exposure. If your assets have grown, ask us whether your liability limits, or an umbrella policy, still fit.

5. Valuable gifts

Jewelry, watches, cameras and other high-value gifts can exceed the special limits many homeowners policies place on certain categories, especially for theft. If you're giving or receiving something valuable, keep the receipt or appraisal and ask us about scheduling it on your policy.

Traveling for the holidays?

Set the thermostat no lower than 55°F, stop the mail or have it held, put a few lights on timers, and don't post travel plans publicly until you're home.

Questions about any of these? Reply here or call (555) 010-0100.

Happy holidays from all of us,

The team at Maple Street Insurance

Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by Maple Street Insurance (sample agency).

General information only, not a description of your policy or professional advice. Coverage depends on your policy's terms, conditions and exclusions. Contact Maple Street Insurance (sample agency) about your situation.

Sources: Insurance Information Institute, home-based business insurance and rideshare and delivery driver coverage; American Red Cross, frozen pipes guidance.

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