December 2025

Home Safety Tips | Winter Driving | Gifts & Coverage | Life Insurance Prep | Small Biz Check | Year-End Wrap

Welcome to December. The month where everything feels a little louder, a little busier, and a little more “wait… how is it already the end of the year?” If your to-do list looks like a holiday shopping cart (overflowing and slightly chaotic) just know we’re right there with you.

This is also the time of year when insurance questions start popping up fast. Winter weather, holiday hosting, end-of-year purchases, travel plans… it all blends into one big “am I actually covered for this?” moment. So let’s slow down for a minute and walk through the things that matter most this season.

Holiday Home Safety: The Season of Warm Lights & Cold Weather

December makes homes feel magical. But it’s also the month where small hazards can cause big headaches. Older holiday lights, overloaded outlets, and dry Christmas trees are some of the most common culprits behind winter fire claims. A quick check of your decorations before plugging everything in can literally save your season.

If you’re hosting this year - whether it’s a cozy dinner or the annual “everyone come over and bring your loudest child” gathering - remember that slips, spills, pet interactions, and accidental oops-moments all tend to increase. Your liability coverage is the quiet hero behind the scenes. If you haven’t looked at it since you moved in, this might be the perfect time.

And if your home went through any updates in 2025 (new flooring, fresh kitchen, remodeled bathroom) your policy might not know about it. A quick message to us keeps your coverage aligned with the true value of your home, especially as winter storms roll in.

 Winter Driving: The December Reality

We’re approaching the season of slick roads, foggy mornings, early sunsets, and parking lots that turn into obstacle courses. Winter driving adds a layer of unpredictability, and even the most careful drivers can find themselves sliding into a “well, that wasn’t supposed to happen” moment.

If you’re not sure whether you have collision coverage, or whether rental reimbursement is included in your policy, now is a great time to ask. This is also when roadside assistance becomes your best friend—you don’t want to be the person stranded in the dark with a dead battery while your phone battery is also dying in solidarity.

Not sure what your policy looks like? That’s okay. We’re always happy to walk you through it in normal-human language.

 Gifting Season: The Truth About Coverage

This is the time of year when people pick up new tech, jewelry, instruments, and other high-value gifts. And understandably, people assume they’re covered everywhere they take them. But coverage depends on the situation.

If gifts are stolen out of your car while you’re out shopping, your auto policy won’t cover them, your homeowners or renters policy steps in instead. And some nicer items benefit from being specifically listed (or “scheduled”) on your policy for better protection. It’s a quick conversation, and it makes a big difference if something goes missing while you’re traveling or hosting.

If you got something new and shiny, just shoot us a message. We’ll help you make sure it’s properly protected.

Preparing for the New Year With Life Insurance

December might feel like a strange time to start a life insurance conversation, but it’s actually one of the best. You’re already thinking about your goals, your budget, and the fresh-start energy that January brings. Starting the process now means you won’t be rushing once the new year hits, and you’ll walk into 2026 knowing that a major piece of your long-term protection is handled.

Our updated life insurance product makes applying easier than ever, with quick, 24-hour turnaround and a straightforward process.

Small Business Corner: End-of-Year Check-In

If you run a business here in Kitsap County, the holidays likely mean one of two things: your busiest season of the year, or a temporary slow-down. Either way, it’s the perfect moment to check in on your coverage.

Did you add equipment this year? Hire seasonal staff? Move locations? Change revenue? Even small updates can affect how well your policy protects you. And if you’ll be closing for a few days or weeks, this is prime time to make sure your property coverage is where it should be, because break-ins and water damage don’t take holidays.

We’re always happy to do a quick review so you can step into the new year with peace of mind.

Wrapping Up 2025

December can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you have questions, need help interpreting an insurance letter, or just want to double-check something before the holiday rush hits, reach out. That’s what we’re here for.

Thank you for trusting us this year. It means more than you know. Here’s to safe holidays, warm homes, and a confident start to 2026.

— The Team at Timm Insurance Agency