Why you should check your insurance before you travel
1 Minute Read
Summary
- Reviewing insurance policies before travelling helps prevent denied claims by clarifying coverage rules for unattended homes and required precautions while you’re away.
- Travellers often overestimate credit card coverage; checking limits and exclusions can reveal gaps in medical, cancellation, or liability protection.
- Confirming auto and travel coverage in advance reduces financial risk, especially for international trips where medical and legal costs can be significantly higher.
It’s easy to focus on packing lists and itineraries before a trip, but overlooking your insurance coverage can lead to costly surprises. Understanding what you’re covered for before you leave can help you avoid unexpected expenses and ensure peace of mind while you’re away.
We spoke with CAA’s Elliott Silverstein, Director of Government Relations for insurance, about why reviewing your policies before travelling matters and what Canadians should keep in mind.
Check your home coverage
If you’re heading out of town, your home insurance may require certain precautions while you’re away.
Silverstein explains that while you don’t typically need to notify your insurer before leaving, you do need to follow the conditions outlined in your policy. Some policies require regular check-ins or monitoring systems to remain in place.
If your home is left unattended longer than permitted, certain types of damage, such as plumbing issues, may not be covered. Having someone check in, collect mail and ensure everything is in order can help maintain your coverage.
His advice: review your policy or speak with your insurer before you leave so you understand what’s required.
Review travel and auto coverage
Beyond your home, it’s important to consider how your travel and auto insurance apply while you're on your trip.
Travel insurance is often overlooked, especially when people assume their credit card coverage will handle everything. According to Silverstein, that’s not always the case, and policies can vary widely in what they cover.
For international trips in particular, medical costs can be significant, making it worth speaking with a travel consultant before you go.
For road trips to the United States, auto insurance typically extends across the border, but travellers may want to consider increasing their liability coverage, as claims tend to be higher there.
Before you go
Before you start packing, take time to review your policies or speak with a licensed CAA Insurance Agent to ensure your coverage aligns with your plans.
