The Uninsurable Risk of Clark Griswold

We all have our own holiday traditions. One of my favorite things about this time of year is watching the holiday specials that air on TV each year.

My absolute favorite holiday movie is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. I can probably quote the entire movie as my family and I have been watching it for years! Clark Griswold (the main character) is sure to find his way on your tv as the Christmas holiday season is upon us!

Even in the insurance profession, you can see some humor of insurance claims focused around the Christmas holiday. One in particular would be if Santa gets burned coming down the chimney? Will he get stuck? Will the homeowner be responsible for his injuries? Essentially, the insurance company might have a difficult time accepting Santa as a customer.

However, I think that Clark Griswold gives Santa a run for his money. Consider all of the possible insurance claims Clark and his family could have:

• Clark likes to tie things to the top of the family vehicle: Christmas trees, luggage, and if you go back to the original Vacation movie, something much worse! Look out if you’re driving behind the Griswold family vehicle!
• At Christmas time, Clark is determined to have the largest, brightest display of lights on his home. Clark’s wiring set-up, a sure fire-hazard, eventually shuts down power in the neighborhood.
• Cousin Eddie empties his RV’s waste container into the neighborhood sewer system which eventually becomes part of a much bigger problem.
• Cousin Eddie kidnaps Clark’s boss when Clark is upset about the lack of a holiday bonus.
• The movie’s conclusion includes a roof-top Santa and reindeer display on fire.

Whatever your holiday traditions, please remember to include safety and avoid a Christmas insurance claim! I hope you have a very merry Christmas and a joyful New Year!