FAMILY
Lifestyle
INSURANCE INSIGHT How to Manage Movie Moments
By Dennia Beard, State Farm Insurance
“I think you have a problem,” my daughter said to me one early night last November as I bounced from the bedroom to the den, alternating between wrapping gifts and watching a holiday movie I’d seen at least twice before. “A problem?” I said distractedly, adjusting the bright gold bow I’d just placed atop a festively wrapped gift. “Yes,” she replied, half-joking and half-genuinely concerned. “All these Christmas movies! You’re obsessed! You might have a problem.” I paused to consider her words.
Watching Christmas movies is a problem? Okay, I watch a lot during the holidays, but what’s wrong with that? I like them. I rattled this reasoning to her and went back to wrapping and watching. While I don’t think I am holiday movie obsessed, I couldn’t help but wonder why I really do like these movies so much. Of course I love the positive messages that are so often found; I do also love the holiday classics that show us the calamity of the holiday season. And, while one hopes no one actually has to endure these
disasters, they sure are fun to watch! Ever wonder whether if one of those movie debacles ever happened in real life, insurance would cover it? Remember when Uncle Lewis lit his cigar a little too close to the Grizzwold’s Christmas tree in Christmas Vacation and it caught on fire? Fortunately, they were able to keep this fire under control, but what if this had happened in real life? Well, homeowner’s insurance will pay for damages or destruction by fire and other disasters listed on your policy for your structure. The personal property coverage portion of your home insurance would cover any gifts or household items. Your homeowner’s insurance could also cover additional living expenses from living away from your home if necessary because you are unable to live in your home due to fire. One of my very favorite holiday movies of all time is Home Alone. Little Kevin McCallister was my childhood hero as I watched him defend his home from burglars after accidentally being left behind. In reality, there likely wouldn’t be traps set up outside to create slippery surfaces for our guests to slip on, but it is certainly realistic to think that someone could slip on an ice-covered sidewalk causing an injury accident on your
38 • Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition
