Before you take off on holiday, make sure you’re properly insured!

This past Christmas, travel was a hot mess. Weather, illness, staff shortages all seemed to be conspiring against anyone getting anywhere – especially with their baggage! Here are just a few of the headlines (if you need reminding):

‘A complete gong show’: Winter upends holiday air travel in Canada

Chaos in Canadian airports as holiday travellers worry about missing Christmas

Lost luggage still clogs some Canadian airports after chaotic holiday travel week

Not to say the same thing will happen in February or March or April when Canadians who are desperate for a break book holidays. Like all good boy scouts know, it’s better to “Be Prepared”.

So when you’re planning your getaway, give some thought to insurance.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance isn’t just for medical coverage. Consider adding coverage options for trip cancellation, trip interruption, and lost baggage. It’s these coverages that will make sure you can be comfortable and looked after, if winter, covid or anything decides to throw delays, cancellations or lost luggage your way. And that goes for both directions! Trip Interruption and Trip Cancellation even cover expenses relating to quarantine orders, including the costs for any new flights to get you back home.

Home, Condo or Tenants Insurance

If you’re planning on being away for more than 48 hours, you’re going to want to check your policy to see what they require for extended absences. Every insurance company is different on their requirements, some even require you have someone physically come into the home every few days. No one wants to come back from holiday to damage that isn’t covered by their insurance because they forgot to check their policy before they left.

Auto Insurance

If you’re travelling in Canada or the US, you’ll want to check your auto insurance to see if you have SEF 27 endorsement in place. If you do, good news! You already have rented vehicle coverage and don’t have to purchase more at the rental company. SEF27 will cover the value of the vehicle you’re renting. You do have a coverage limit, however, so check with us before renting a Ferrari or Porsche.

A couple tips for before your trip:

• Make sure you’ve read your travel insurance policy carefully and already know the claims process
• Take photos of your luggage (inside and out) and note the approximate value of what you’re bringing
• Take photos of any valuable items you’re bringing and note their approximate values
• Bring a folder or envelope in your carryon that you can use to keep receipts and proof of expenses, any police reports or medical reports, and proof from airline of lost baggage
• Keep your insurance broker’s number or insurance company’s 24 hour emergency assistance number on you (both on your phone and a physical copy if possible)

Best case, you won’t need any of it. Fingers crossed and all that.

Worst case, you’re totally prepared and can deal with whatever nature, airports or bad luck throws your way. Happy travels!

Have questions? Our experienced insurance brokers would love to help.