MENU PRODUCER LOGIN COVID-19 GET A QUOTE FIND AN AGENT PAYMENT CLAIMS THE NEW MAIF HOME BLOG Select a Date November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 February 2020 May 2019 March 2019 February 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 December 2017 October 2017 August 2017 May 2017 March 2017 February 2017 October 2016 August 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 July 2015 March 2015 November 2014 October 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 January 2014 November 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 May 2013 April 2013 January 2013 November 2012 October 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 Stay Safe This Holiday Season Posted on: 11/24/2021 The holiday season is here! This time of year can be stressful enough with all of the items on our checklist – decorating, getting the house ready for visitors, cooking, and holiday parties. And that’s before you consider holiday shopping and all the hectic things that go with it, such as overcrowded parking lots, traffic, break-ins, and fender benders. Check out these few safety tips to help keep you on the nice list this holiday season. Parking Before you venture out, prepare yourself. Expect the parking situation to be stressful. It’s always a safe bet to assume that drivers can’t see you when backing out. Some drivers may become impatient so, don’t be surprised if your spot gets taken. There’s always another space available somewhere in the parking lot. A parking space isn’t worth getting into a fender bender or a shouting match. The amount of time it takes to find a new spot is nothing compared to the time it will take to deal with mall security or police if you and another driver get into an altercation. via GIPHY Park in Well-Lit Areas Aside from providing some personal safety, parking in well-lit areas can help avoid an accident as you try to pull out of your space. Keep in mind what time it gets dark. The well-lit spot you grab at 2:30 in the afternoon might be in the dark when you return a couple of hours later. If you know you’ll be shopping past sunset; you might consider grabbing a spot closer to a light – even if it’s a bit farther to walk. Shop With Friends Ask some friends to tag along while shopping as being with others can help keep each other safe. This is also a great way to spend quality time with your friends or family during this hectic time of year. via GIPHY Hide Gifts in the Trunk Don’t leave gifts or other valuable items visible in your car. If you can see it from outside the vehicle, so can a thief. So instead, put bags, purses, and any other valuables in the trunk. If you can’t fit them in the trunk, bring a blanket to cover them. And plan your purchases. Try to buy the most oversized item last so that once you have it in the car, you can head home. Supply Chain Shortages The U.S economy is facing some challenges in the supply chain from a shortage of workers and lack of materials. Expect to see some bare store shelves, a rise in items’ cost and shipping delays for your purchases. The best way to get around these hurdles would be to order your gifts as early as possible so they can arrive on time or even earlier. Before leaving the house, check to see the availability on the store’s website so you can prepare for where to shop. via GIPHY Cyber Monday/ Online Shopping If you are finding it to be a busy time, online shopping can alleviate the time you spend in stores. Cyber Monday is a great time to do online shopping as countless stores will be having deals all day and possibly all week. Many companies are starting their pre-sales so orders can be placed sooner rather than later to avoid shipping delays. With the rise of online shopping over the past couple of years, the pandemic has definitely pushed e-commerce shopping forward as brick-and-mortar stores are competing directly with online shopping. via GIPHY And the simplest tip of all… don’t forget to lock your car. We wish you a fun, safe, and low-stress holiday season. via GIPHY Uncategorized « Previous AUTO INSURANCE FRAUD: EVERYONE PAYS FOR CRIME Read the Post DRIVING SAFELY ON RURAL ROADS Read the Post TRICK OR TREATING SAFETY THIS HALLOWEEN Read the Post CASE STUDY: POLICYHOLDER COMMITS FRAUD CAUSING ARREST FOR ADDITIONAL CRIME Read the Post NEW TO THE COUNTRY: A GUIDE TO GETTING AUTO INSURANCE IN MARYLAND Read the Post CHOOSING THE RIGHT CREDIT CARD Read the Post CALL 800.492.7120 TO GET STARTED TODAY! INSURANCE RESOURCES FINANCIAL RESOURCES CLAIMS FIND AN AGENT NEAR YOU BECOME A PRODUCER COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM BLOG NEWS & MEDIA Get a Quote Find an Agent Contact Us About Maryland Auto Welcome to Maryland Auto Who We Serve What Happened to MAIF? 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