Take steps to protect your Christmas gifts

ATLANTA — Now that the gifts have been unwrapped, people should make sure they’re protected, AAA Auto Club officials say.

“’Tis the season for giving, and we expected consumers spend more on holiday gifts this year,” Garrett Townsend, Georgia public affairs director for AAA, said. “AAA encourages consumers to protect their investments and update their insurance policies where necessary.”

The advice comes in a year when a quarter of Georgians responding to a AAA Consumer Pulse survey said they were going to spend more on gifts, with the average Georgia shopper spending $946.

The first step, AAA officials say, is to know what homeowner or rental insurance policies cover and the limits. They suggest talking to insurance agent about those details.

Consumers also should check with their agent to make sure the increased value of holiday gifts will still be covered under current policies. Consumers may want to purchase a rider to cover expensive collectibles, jewelry and electronics. Many policies have limits on these types of items, AAA officials noted.

Also, as gifts cards have gained popularity, it’s important to keep track of them. They are considered cash equivalents, so a consumer should check the homeowner or renter policy to see if it provides coverage for those types of cards.

And it’s time to update documentation. The end of the year is a great time to list belongings, including collections of jewelry, firearms, electronics, stamps and other valuables. That documentation can include digital images or a video walk-through of the possessions in your home. Once the documentation has been made, keep it in a safe place, such as a bank safety deposit box or a safe.