It’s the most wonderful time of year, when happy shoppers hunt for the perfect gifts for their loved ones. It also happens to be one of the most dangerous times of year, with ever-changing weather and all the “hustle and bustle” leading to less focus, more stress, and increased home and auto claims across the board. So, this year, instead of electronics and toys, the brokers at Nicol are suggesting something a little different for your Christmas list – safety gifts! That may not sound like the most exciting gifting prospect, but giving practical safety items are a great way to show you care. Not to mention, it just may come in handy at the most unexpected of times, and that will make it the greatest gift of all! Our brokers put their heads together to build a list of the thoughtful, useful and practical gifts you can give to the people you want to keep safe this season.
1) Roadside Safety Kit
Driving conditions this time of year can be treacherous, and sudden changes in road conditions and visibility can happen quickly. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re stuck on the side of the road, a roadside safety kit can be your best friend. Everything you need to keep comfortable and wait for help to arrive comes included in these handy kits, which you can buy at virtually any store with an auto department. Items include mini pylons and flairs to set outside, a mini air compressor and tire gauge, cable ties, duct tape, a flashlight, gloves, blanket, a first aid kit and other important tools, depending on the kit you purchase. No one likes to think about getting stuck in a winter storm, but when you need a roadside safety kit, you REALLY need one. So, if you want to show a loved one you have their best interests at heart, roadside kits are relatively inexpensive AND highly valuable. Fortune favours the prepared!
2) Dashcams
When you’re in a collision, your insurance adjuster has to weigh your account of the accident against any other drivers, witness statements and police reports. If there are any discrepancies in the different reports, it can be difficult to determine fault, which could mean a longer claims process without a positive resolution. But when you have a dash cam installed in your vehicle, most auto claims become much simpler to resolve. This year, consider buying dash cams for your loved ones to keep their travels well documented! Dashcams can provide a world of insight into the many auto claims that can occur, which could end up saving a lot of time and expense in the long run. Not to mention, dashcams act as a deterrent to any would-be thieves, as many models of dash cam run 24/7 and automatically upload footage to a remote server on the net. Dash cams aren’t something people generally think about purchasing for themselves, so it makes for a wonderful gift idea for any driver who could use a little extra insurance security.
3) Battery Backups
Losing power at home suddenly in the winter is never fun, but it’s especially difficult when your vehicle leaves you stranded. If your car battery dies in the cold, it’s up to the kindness of strangers or your roadside assistance service to give you a boost and get you going again. But with a car jump starter kit, you’ve got a convenient way to boost your engine close at hand. Jump kits are essentially battery packs with clamps and cables that you can charge and bring with you in case of a dead car battery. A car jump-starter is a great gift idea for anyone who does a lot of driving, and it could save them from a long wait for assistance
Along with car jump starters, portable battery blocks are a fantastic gift idea for anyone who travels frequently. These miniature battery packs will help keep phones charged in the event someone isn’t close to a source of electricity. We all have a hard time being separated from our phones for too long these days, but running out of juice in an emergency situation could be more than just inconvenient. Battery packs are an inexpensive gift that could save your loved ones from losing phone power when it counts the most, which definitely makes them a worthwhile inclusion on this list.
4) Snow Clearing Tools
With winter comes plenty of snow, ice, slush and all the manual labour that goes with removing it. Every good Canadian loves to complain about clearing their porch and driveway, but it’s actually a very important safety concern. If someone visits your home and slips and falls due to your negligence, their injuries could end up being your expense. With so many extra visitors and package deliveries this time of year, the chances of slip and fall injury claims are much higher. So, this year, help your loved one’s protect themselves and their visitors by getting them some advanced snow clearing tools! This could mean anything from shovels to ice scrapers, snow throwers or snowblowers; anything that makes it easier for them to clear the porch and driveway properly. These will help make their time clearing the snow less of a chore, and could end up saving them from a costly claim.
5) Home Safe
There are plenty of extra fire risks this time of year, between fireplaces being back in use, busy kitchens, extra electricity consumption and of course, all of those strings of Christmas lights. In the unfortunate event of a fire, are you sure that your important documents and keepsakes will be protected? Give the gift of a fire safe, and take care of this concern for your loved ones. A Home Security safe is a strong investment for protecting the things that are most important to you, including cash, passports, birth certificates and important insurance documents. Suddenly losing all of these important items at once can cause a world of heartache, so a fire safe is a smart investment for anyone. It might not be the flashiest gift you can give, but a fire safe is undoubtedly one of the most practical, thoughtful items you can purchase for someone else.
6) Home Security System
Keep the bandits at bay with a new home security system! There have been huge advancements in the home security industry in the past few years, so there are a number of relatively inexpensive products out there that make for ideal Christmas gifts. Burglar alarms and security cameras will help protect your loved ones all year, and they make a world of difference in the event of a break-in. Most modern home security systems can be connected to mobile devices, and the peace of mind they offer is more than worth the cost. From an insurance standpoint, a home security system also reduces the chances of successful break-ins, which could mean a reduction on your monthly insurance costs as well. There are too many home security options available to mention them all here, but it’s a gift idea with a real “wow” factor that’s still practical and thoughtful.
So, the next time you’re struggling to think of a great gift idea, keep this list close at hand! These are just a few of the suggestions we have for safety Christmas gifts, but the options are virtually endless when it comes to home and auto safety. Keeping your friends and family safe is undoubtedly the greatest gift you can give, and it lets them know you value their health and happiness above, say, that ugly sweater you’re thinking about knitting. Remember, Nicol Insurance is here to help keep you AND your loved ones protected.
