Holiday shopping, whether online or at the mall, can be hectic. Stay mindful of holiday shopping safety tips to avoid risks and keep the season merry.
10 Tips to protect your vehicle and the contents inside
Mall parking lots and traffic can be stressful even on a regular day, but the holiday shopping season takes it to another level. To help keep you, your vehicle, and your holiday purchases safe, the Insurance Bureau of Canada has shared its top 10 tips for staying protected this season:
- Ensure your doors are always locked and the key is in your pocket.
- When approaching your vehicle, have your keys ready to minimize delays.
- Always park in well-lit areas, preferably close to entrances or exits. Ask a security guard to escort you if you feel uncomfortable walking alone at night.
- Never leave money or electronics in plain sight.
- Always roll up your car windows.
- Put shopping bags and other parcels in the trunk, and keep your purse, shopping cart and purchases within sight when loading your vehicle.
- Keep your vehicle registration and proof of insurance with you.
- Take any electronics, including your cell phone, with you.
- Don’t leave your car running while unattended.
- If you park in the same lot often, use a different parking spot each day to make your routine less predictable.
Avoid being targeted for theft while shopping in-person
Staying alert and aware of your surroundings is essential for maintaining safety, especially during the busy holiday season. Follow these tips to minimize the risk of being a victim of theft:
- Avoid drawing attention to yourself, Leave expensive jewelry and electronics at home while shopping.
- Avoid carrying a lot of cash. Only bring what you need, such as necessary credit cards, cash, and identification, and keep them in a secure, hidden purse or bag.
- Stay aware of your surroundings by keeping your head up and scanning your environment. Avoid isolated areas and be mindful of your personal space by limiting contact with strangers and walking with confidence.
- Stick to familiar shopping locations, and if you’re visiting an unfamiliar area, bring a friend for added security.
- Never leave your purse or wallet unattended, whether in a changing room or shopping cart, even for a moment.
- Always keep receipts for your purchases, not only to track your spending and for returns or exchanges, but also in the event you have an insurance claim involving the purchase.
Don’t be a victim of cyber-crime while shopping online
Shopping online offers convenience, but it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your personal information. Here are some key safety tips to keep in mind:
- Ensure safe online transactions: If you’re unfamiliar with the retailer, verify their reputation by confirming their contact information and seeking reviews. Most browsers—which you should update regularly to protect against vulnerabilities— will also provide detailed site information by clicking the icon next to the URL. When making your payments, opt for a card that offers fraud protection.
- Prevent Package Theft: To prevent package theft, aim to be home when your deliveries arrive. If that’s not possible, take extra precautions to keep your packages safe. You can ask a trusted neighbor to collect your delivery or, if you have a security camera with two-way communication, guide the driver to leave the package in a discreet, out-of-sight location.
- Meet in Public for Private Transactions: When buying from individuals online, arrange to meet in a public location, such as a mall or coffee shop, rather than at your home or theirs. If available, meet at a designated swap area at your local police station.
- Check for Stolen Devices: The Royal Mounted Police advise before purchasing a used smartphone, verify its status on the blacklist to ensure it’s not stolen.
By following these precautions, you can reduce the risks of online shopping and keep your purchases and personal information safe.
Stay Safe and Enjoy a Worry-Free Holiday Shopping Season
Stay safe this holiday season by following simple safety tips for both in-store and online shopping. Be aware of your surroundings, secure your packages, and protect your personal information. These precautions will help keep you, your family, and your belongings safe, allowing you to enjoy the festivities with peace of mind. Remember: Holiday safety starts with proactive measures—and extends to having the right coverage in place. Speak to your Broker to learn how a tailored property insurance policy such as Unica’s LIVEasy® coverage can protect your home and loved ones with year-round peace-of-mind.
