ERIE, Pa., Nov. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Holiday
shoppers plan to spend an average of $1,047.83 this year, according to
the National Retail Federation. Though many go online to make
their holiday purchases, it's still hard to find it all without at
least one trip to the mall or local shops. All this leads
to extra crowds, a spike in package deliveries and more
opportunities for someone to take advantage of your holiday
generosity.
To stay safe, here are five tips from Erie
Insurance to keep in mind when you're out and
about.
- Take with you only what you need. Leave the purse
at home if you can, and bring only keys, phone and a means to pay.
Keep your credit card and cash in your front pocket to make it more
difficult for pickpockets in crowded spaces to swipe.
- Safe parking. While shopping during daylight
hours is safer, especially when you're heading out to the parking
lot with your bags of gifts, night shopping is often a necessity.
Park your car in a well-lit area as close to the entrance as
possible.
- Safe return. Always check your surroundings as
you return to your vehicle. If you see something that doesn't feel
right, turn around and go back inside. It's also a
good idea to have your keys ready — don't set your purse or
packages on top of your car to fumble around for them. If you feel
unsafe walking alone in the parking facilities, request a security
guard to escort you.
- Slow down. Whether entering or exiting crowded
parking lots or ramps, cars can pull out suddenly and people can
appear from seemingly nowhere. Slow down and minimize distractions
in the car to give driving your full attention.
- Smart storage. It's best to head straight home
after your shopping trip, but that's not always practical. If you
have more errands on your list, be conscious of where you store
your gifts in your vehicle. If possible, clear room in your trunk
and don't leave gifts or large items on your front seat.
Keeping these tips in mind while you shop for family and friends
this holiday season will help you stay safe. It's also a good time
to check in with your insurance agent to be sure that all of your
valuables are covered. You can easily find a local ERIE agent to help you get the right
coverage with the options you need.
Erie Insurance Group
According to A.M. Best
Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie,
Pennsylvania, is the
9th largest homeowners insurer and 12th
largest automobile insurer in the United States based on
direct premiums written and the 16th largest
property/casualty insurer in the United States based on
total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+
(Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has more than 5 million
policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District
of Columbia. Erie Family Life
Insurance Company is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Life
insurance policies not written in New
York state. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500
company.
News releases and more information about Erie Insurance
Group are available at www.erieinsurance.com.
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SOURCE Erie Insurance