Taking a Summer Vacation? Know the Benefits of Insurance

Oklahoma City Brooke Insurance agent offers advice and tips on how summer travelers can protect themselves from stolen or lost items during their tripsOklahoma City, OK (Grassroots Newswire) July 1, 2008 — When taking summer vacations or other long-distance trips, rarely does the average person think that their personal items might come up missing – especially with the heightened security airports have put in place over the past several years. However, recent news reports have shown that, despite the security, thievery is still an issue at many airports. In fact, ABC News recently released a news report sharing how the more than 211 million Americans who expect to fly this summer could be a target of stolen or lost items.”It is crucial that summer travelers make sure they protect their personal items with the proper insurance before setting foot in an airport or any other form of transportation, for vacations or other types of long-distance trips,” said LaDawna Miller of Brooke Insurance, Oklahoma City. “You just never know what could happen.”The ABC News story referenced a surveillance video that caught a woman taking a cell phone from someone else’s bin at the security area of an airport. She covered the cell phone with her sweater and walked away. Instances like this could happen to anyone, Miller said, adding that the number of lost and stolen items at airports has increased. Therefore, insuring your personal items is your best bet for protecting yourself against loss.Miller said Brooke Insurance, Oklahoma City offers various types of insurance plans that cover items such as cell phones, cameras, computers and other electronic devices or valuable personal items. However, after choosing the insurance plan that works best for you, there are other ways that can help you prevent your personal items from being stolen or lost. Miller suggests the following:* Conduct an inventory – Look through all of the valuable items you will be taking with you before you embark on your trip, and do an inventory again after you arrive at your destination. Keep an extra close eye on valuable electronic items and try not to travel with too many credit cards. If you are traveling with credit cards, Miller said, it’s a good idea to give a list of all of your credit card numbers and the corresponding customer service telephone numbers to a friend or family member, in case you need to call to report a stolen or lost card. In addition, it’s vital to keep important documents, like your social security card, at home and away from strangers.* Identify your luggage and other items – In the case that your items are lost, it’s important to have your name and telephone number (but no other information that could lead criminals to steal your identity) on your luggage and other personal items. Identification information should be on the outside of your baggage (on a tag with a cover) and inside, just in case tags are torn off. When arriving at your destination, Miller said, look through your luggage to make sure important items are there. If not, immediately report the stolen items.* Use shoulder-strap purses – Pickpockets are everywhere, especially in large crowds. Carry a shoulder-strap purse when traveling to keep your personal identification and monetary items close to you. For men, carry your wallet inside your coat or front trouser pockets.”These are just some easy tips that travelers can keep in mind while on theirsummer vacations,” Miller said. “However, what is guaranteed security is the security of insurance. That is the ultimate protection.”Most Brooke Insurance agencies are independently-owned, locally-operated franchises of Brooke Capital Corporation. Miller said this sets Brooke apart from other agencies because having a local agent gives the client the right combination of tailored, personalized insurance coverage at affordable prices. Brooke Insurance, Oklahoma City can shop rates and coverages from many of the nation’s top insurance companies to help its customers find the right option for them.For more information about Brooke Insurance, visit Brooke Insurance at 2800 NW 63rd Street, Suite 200 in Oklahoma City, or call 405-879-3870.About Brooke InsuranceBrooke Insurance agencies are independently owned and operated franchises or company owned offices of Brooke Capital Corporation (AMEX: BCP). Brooke Capital Corporation distributes insurance services through a network of approximately 900 franchise and company owned locations in 26 states. The Brooke organization was founded on the belief that local business owners distribute insurance and related services more efficiently than others if supported by a franchise system.###