Insurance Products to Consider when Away from Home

It’s important for all the vacationers, business travelers, cottagers, and snowbirds, to consider the following insurance tips before travelling:

Travel Medical Insurance

Covers you for emergency hospital and medical expenses when out of the province. If an insurance company agrees to cover you for pre-existing conditions, you should get its agreement in writing.

Home Insurance

• Check your home insurance policy for the expiration date and for other "away" requirements. Many policies will cancel coverage if your property is left unoccupied or unattended for extended periods of time.
• Check coverage limits on valuables. Some policies contain limitations for loss or damage to these items if you are away for an extended period, or if you are taking the valuables with you.
• If you’re travelling in the winter, make sure you drain your home’s plumbing before you leave or arrange to have your home inspected on a daily basis by a competent individual to ensure that heat is maintained. Insurance companies won't cover damage that arises from the freezing of indoor plumbing.
• In the winter, arrange for someone to clear snow from your roof. Some home insurance policies do not cover roof collapse due to excess snow.

Automobile Insurance

• Check the effective dates of your driver's licence and validation sticker to make sure they don't expire while you're away.
• If you plan to rent an automobile, check with your insurance company, broker or agent to determine whether you'll need the supplementary insurance coverage offered by rental companies.
• If you plan to take your own automobile and will be out of the country for more than 30 days, be sure to advise your insurance company, broker or agent. Also make sure you have the proper coverage and meet driver’s licence requirements for the jurisdiction in which you'll be travelling.
• If you are leaving your vehicle at home and it won't be used by anyone, save money by suspending certain coverages from the policy, such as collision. Be sure to add the coverages back once you return.