From how to fix a leaky faucet to tips and tricks for becoming a master of the grill, dads can teach us a lot — even if it’s what not to do. However, for the sake of comedic relief, fathers in movies sometimes get a bad rap. When you look past the mishaps, it’s clear these dads have one goal in mind — spending time with their family.
With Father’s Day just over the horizon, we’re taking a look at a few of Hollywood’s most memorable dads and their iconic “dad moments.”
Clark Griswold, National Lampoon’s Vacation
In the 1983 classic National Lampoon’s Vacation, Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, takes his family on a cross-country road trip from Chicago to Los Angeles. Their destination? Walley World, an amusement park in the heart of southern California. The vacationers — Clark Griswold, his wife Ellen and their two kids, Rusty and Aubrey — embark on the 1,700-mile journey unaware of the misadventures that await them on the proverbial “Holiday Road.”
After loading up the Wagon Queen Family Truckster, Clark’s brand new oak-paneled and lima-bean-green station wagon, the Griswolds hit the highway. Hours into their trip, they encounter a band of thieves who steal the hubcaps off their car – and that’s just the beginning of the disasters that ensue. Later, after Clark continually diverts his attention from the road to a pretty blonde in a convertible, he learns an important lesson: driving while tired – and distracted – don’t mix.
Following a near-collision with an 18-wheeler, their beloved family vehicle is almost undrivable after becoming airborne and flying off the road. When the family finds themselves stranded in the desert with their luggage strewn miles away, we can only hope the Truckster was covered with enough auto insurance to help pay for the damages and loss of personal property.
Reckless Driving Can Do More Than Ruin a Vacation
Considering Clark’s reckless driving over the course of the trip, he may have a hard time getting insured in the future. Luckily, he’s a movie character. In real life, many insurance providers offer discounts to safe drivers, but a history of poor driving can cause your premium to skyrocket.
Any activity that steals a driver’s attention – including texting, talking with passengers or eating – is dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,179 people in 2014, making up 10% of all traffic-related fatalities. When you’re behind the wheel, keep your focus on the road. Your life and the lives of others depend on it.
George Banks, Father of the Bride
Steve Martin played George Banks in the iconic 90s film, Father of the Bride. George is the perfect example of an overly protective father who’s just not ready to let his little girl grow up, despite the fact she’s a soon-to-be-married adult. After his daughter Annie returns home from studying abroad, she shares the unexpected news of her recent engagement – sending George and his wife Nina into shock.
When George and Nina visit their new son-in-law’s residence, George’s curiosity gets the best of him. While Nina is busy conversing with their hosts, George sneaks off to snoop around their lavish home. After a few wrong turns, he finds himself on their pool deck, with the couple’s two large – and ferocious – Dobermans charging directly at him. To avoid becoming the canine duo’s lunch, George jumps into the pool, suit-clad and all.
Curious Guests Can Cause More Than a Headache
Much to Annie’s dismay at her father’s antics, a valuable lesson can be learned in spite of Banks’ embarrassment. Although George wasn’t injured on the property, not everyone is so lucky. According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites and other dog-related injuries accounted for over $570 million in liability claims last year. Regardless of breed, all dogs have the potential to bite. The average payout for a dog bite claim landed at $37,214 in 2015. If you own a dog or are planning on adding one to your family, contact your insurance provider to make sure your homeowners policy covers dog bites.
George jumping into a pool also poses a risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are an excess of 3,400 drowning fatalities in residential pools each year in the United States. It’s a good rule of thumb for pool owners — and dog owners — to increase the amount of liability in their homeowners insurance policy to a minimum of $300,000 - $500,000 in case someone gets injured on your property.
Insurance to Cover Dad Moments
The mishaps in these movies aren’t too far from what could actually happen. Car trouble and getting injured on someone’s property are real possibilities. To make sure you’re covered, learn from the example of these movie dads and make sure you have the proper home and auto insurance in place.
Shelly White writes for Quotes.Safeco.com and HomeInsurance.com, an online resource for homeowners and drivers across the country. Offering automobile and home insurance quotes, consumers rely on HomeInsurance.com for competitive rates from top-rated insurance carriers. The HomeInsurance.com blog provides fresh tips and advice on a range of financial topics to help homeowners and homebuyers make educated decisions about their insurance purchases.
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