When the temperatures rise, so do certain insurance risks. For independent insurance agents, summer is the perfect time to educate clients on seasonal hazards, help them prevent claims, and ensure they have the right coverage in place. From backyard barbecues to family road trips and watercraft adventures, summer fun can quickly turn into a financial headache without the right insurance protection. Here are the most common insurance claims that pop up during the summer season — and the items people most often insure during this time.
6 Common Insurance Claims During the Summer
1 – Homeowners Claims: Storm and Weather Damage
Summer storms can pack a punch. Thunderstorms, hail, heavy winds, tornadoes, and even hurricanes in coastal regions often cause significant property damage. Common claims include:
- Roof damage from hail or wind
- Fallen trees damaging homes, fences, or vehicles
- Flooding from sudden downpours or poor drainage
Encourage homeowners to review their coverage for wind, hail, and flood damage — and remind them that flood insurance is typically separate from a standard homeowners policy.
2 – Swimming Pool and Backyard Accidents
Backyard pools are popular gathering spots in the summer, but they also pose significant liability risks. Common claims include:
- Injuries from slips, falls, or diving accidents
- Drownings or near-drownings
- Injuries related to pool equipment or poorly maintained decks
Recommend an umbrella liability policy or higher liability limits for homeowners with pools, trampolines, or large backyard gatherings. Share pool safety tips and stress the importance of supervision and secure fencing.
3 – Grill Fires and Outdoor Kitchen Mishaps
Backyard grilling is a summer staple — but it’s also a leading cause of accidental home fires during warm months. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), July is the peak month for grill fires. Typical claims include:
- Fires caused by unattended grills or leaking gas lines
- Property damage to siding, decks, or garages
- Smoke damage
A quick safety email with grilling do’s and don’ts can prevent claims and position you as a trusted resource.
4 – Auto Accidents During Road Trips
Summer means more cars on the road: vacations, holiday weekends, and teen drivers off from school. This uptick in travel leads to more accidents, including:
- Fender benders in congested vacation spots
- Collisions caused by driver fatigue on long road trips
- Accidents involving rental cars
Remind clients to verify that they have comprehensive and collision coverage before they hit the road. Review teen driver coverage and offer tips for staying safe behind the wheel.
5 – Boat and Watercraft Claims
From jet skis to pontoon boats, watercraft insurance claims spike in the summer. Common issues include:
- Collisions with other boats or docks
- Damage from submerged objects
- Injuries to passengers or third parties
- Theft of watercraft or equipment
Ensure clients have adequate watercraft liability and physical damage coverage, and explain how their homeowners or umbrella policy may (or may not) extend to these activities.
6 – Recreational Vehicle and ATV Claims
Summer is prime time for RV trips and off-road adventures. Common claims include:
- Accidents on the road
- Damage while parked at campsites
- Theft of personal items inside RVs or trailers
- ATV rollovers or collisions
Offer bundled options for RV and auto, and highlight the importance of insuring personal belongings kept inside RVs.
6 Most Commonly Insured Items in Summer
While many risks increase during the summer, people also tend to make big seasonal purchases that need insurance protection. These are some of the most commonly insured items:
1 – Boats and Personal Watercraft
Water toys are a big investment — and most marinas or storage facilities require proof of insurance. Policies typically cover physical damage, liability for injuries or property damage, towing, and assistance.
2 – Recreational Vehicles and Campers
More families are hitting the road in RVs and campers. Many lenders require insurance if the RV is financed, and comprehensive coverage protects against theft, fire, and storm damage when the RV is parked.
3 – Motorcycles
Summer is the ultimate riding season! Many motorcycle owners adjust their coverage for the months they’re on the road, adding or increasing liability, collision, and custom equipment coverage.
4 – ATVs and Side-by-Sides
These off-road vehicles aren’t always covered under homeowners insurance. Specialized ATV policies protect owners from liability and physical damage, both on and off their property.
5 – Vacation Homes and Short-Term Rentals
Summer is also the peak season for vacation rentals and secondary homes. Property owners should be aware of:
- Additional liability risks if they rent to guests, such as VRBOs and Airbnbs.
- Gaps in coverage for short-term rentals (often requiring landlord or vacation rental insurance)
- The need for flood coverage if the home is near a body of water
6 – Jewelry and Valuables
Engagements and summer weddings often mean new high-value jewelry. Many homeowners’ policies have low limits for jewelry theft — so adding a personal articles floater or separate jewelry policy is a smart move.
How to Use This Information as an Independent Agent
So, how do you make the best use of this information? Here are four sales and marketing ideas to consider:
- Proactive Reviews: Reach out to your clients in late spring or early summer to review their policies, suggest appropriate riders, and identify any gaps in coverage.
- Educational Content: Share seasonal safety tips in your newsletter or on social media — grilling safety, pool rules, road trip checklists — to demonstrate your value beyond just selling policies.
- Cross-Sell Opportunities: Use these insights to offer umbrella coverage, watercraft insurance, RV coverage, or jewelry floaters to clients who may not have thought of them.
- Community Engagement: Host local events or webinars on summer safety and insurance tips to strengthen relationships with your clients.
Use these ideas to proactively reach out to clients, share tips, and grow your book of business as you offer the right solutions when they’re needed most.
Final Thoughts
Summer should be a time for making memories — not worrying about unexpected accidents or costly losses. As an independent insurance agent, you play a vital role in helping families stay protected all season long. When you know the most common claims and the items people typically insure during summer, you’re better equipped to provide proactive service that builds trust, deepens client relationships, and helps your agency grow.