The benefits of checking your insurance policy before traveling, according to an expert

While it’s more fun to think about packing your favourite outfits and where you’ll stop for lunch, there are other things that need to be considered before you travel this year. Insurance is probably not the first word you think of when planning a getaway, but it should not be out of your vocabulary as you get ready to hit the road.  

We chatted with CAA’s Elliott Silverstein, Director of Government Relations (Insurance), to get an expert’s opinion on the benefits of checking your insurance policy before leaving for vacation. He answered questions about what types of insurance we should think about before leaving and common assumptions people make. 

Is there anything we need to think about in terms of house insurance while we're away?

You don’t need to check in with your insurer when you go away on vacation or are absent from your home, but there are things you need to do to ensure you don’t invalidate your policy. 

Your insurance policy will have rules you need to follow. For example, a policy might include the requirement to install a water flow alarm system that is monitored to ensure any leaks are managed before damage is done. 

Some policies also have stipulations that if your home is empty for a certain period, some things won’t be covered – such as damages from plumbing failures. But if you have someone check on your house while you’re away, the coverage isn’t affected. So, it is a good idea to ask a trusted friend or family member to come over and check on your house and pick up the mail.  

The best approach is to ask your insurance provider about the steps you need to take to maintain coverage.

What about other kinds of insurance aimed at vacations?

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Travellers’ insurance is a hot topic these days, and for a good reason. A common mistake people make is to assume that the insurance they get with their credit card will cover everything. It’s a good idea to talk to a travel consultant before you leave, especially if you are travelling overseas where medical bills can be astronomical.  

If you’re travelling in the United States by car, your auto insurance is still valid, but you may want to consider temporarily increasing your liability coverage. In the US, liability claims tend to be higher. 

What's the biggest benefit of getting CAA Insurance

Members have a variety of benefits, such as saving up to 20%² with our competitive rates on travel insurance. Members also save 10% on home insurance. 

But that isn’t all. We offer Forgive and Forget®, which protects your driving record and rate after your first at-fault accident. Plus, there is CAA MyPace™ for those who are driving less than 12,000 km. 

Before you start packing for your trip, speak to a licensed CAA Insurance Agent who can check that you’re getting the benefits and savings you deserve. You can speak with an agent by calling or getting a quote online. 

Before you start packing for your trip, speak to a licensed CAA Insurance Agent who can check that you're getting the benefits and savings you deserve. You can speak with an agent by calling or getting a quote online.