by John Page | Apr 18, 2023 | Insurance Tips & Tricks
Traveling can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it comes with its fair share of risks and uncertainties. That’s where travel insurance comes in, protecting against unforeseen events and offering peace of mind during your trip. In this guide, we’ll explore the various types of travel insurance, coverage options, and tips for choosing the right policy for your needs. We’ll also address common questions and concerns that travelers may have about insurance.
Will My Existing Insurance Cover Me While Traveling?
A common misconception is that your existing insurance policies, such as health, auto, and homeowners insurance, will provide all the coverage you need while traveling. However, these policies often have limitations when it comes to travel:
- Health insurance: Your current health insurance policy may not cover you outside your home country or may offer limited coverage. It typically doesn’t include medical evacuation or repatriation, which can be essential during a serious medical emergency abroad.
- Auto insurance: Your auto insurance policy may not extend to rental cars or international travel, leaving you without coverage for accidents or damage to the rental vehicle.
- Homeowners insurance: While your homeowners’ policy may cover lost or stolen belongings during your trip, the coverage limits and deductibles might not be sufficient for expensive items or extensive losses.
Types of Travel Insurance Policies
Understanding the different types of travel insurance policies available can help you choose the right one for your needs:
- Single trip policies: Coverage for one specific trip, with coverage duration typically ranging from a few days to a few months.
- Multi-trip or annual policies: Coverage for multiple trips within one year, with each trip usually limited to a specific number of days.
- Specialized policies: Coverage tailored to specific travel plans, such as adventure sports, cruises, or student travel.
Key Travel Insurance Coverage Options
Travel insurance policies offer a range of coverage options to protect you from various risks:
- Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay coverage: Reimbursement for non-refundable expenses if your trip is canceled, interrupted, or delayed due to covered reasons, such as illness, natural disasters, or airline strikes.
- Medical coverage: Coverage for medical expenses incurred during your trip, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. This is particularly important for international travel, where your existing health insurance may not provide adequate coverage.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation: Coverage for transportation to the nearest medical facility or your home country in case of a severe medical emergency.
- Baggage and personal belongings coverage: Compensation for lost, damaged, or delayed luggage and personal items.
- Rental car coverage: Protection against damage or theft of a rental vehicle, as well as liability for accidents involving the rental car.
Special Considerations and Exclusions
Travel insurance policies typically have specific exclusions and limitations that you should be aware of:
- Pre-existing medical conditions: Coverage for medical emergencies related to pre-existing conditions may be limited or excluded, so it’s important to disclose your medical history when purchasing a policy.
- High-risk activities: Coverage for injuries sustained during high-risk activities, such as extreme sports or adventure travel, may be excluded or require a specialized policy.
- Travel warnings and advisories: Coverage may be limited or excluded for destinations with active travel warnings or advisories from the government.
Choosing the Right Travel Insurance Policy
To select the best travel insurance policy for your needs, consider the following:
- Assess your needs and trip specifics: Determine the coverage you require based on your destination, trip duration, and planned activities.
- Compare coverage, limits, and deductibles: Review multiple policies to find the best balance of coverage, policy limits, and deductibles for your budget.
- Read the fine print: Understand exclusions and limitations to ensure you’re adequately covered.
Filing a Travel Insurance Claim
In the event of an emergency or issue during your trip, follow these steps to file a claim:
- Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the incident.
- Gather documentation and evidence to support your claim, such as medical records, receipts, or police reports.
- Submit your claim within the required timeframe and follow up with your insurer as needed.
Travel Safety Tips and Precautions
While travel insurance provides financial protection, taking safety precautions can help prevent issues during your trip:
- Keep important documents and contact information handy, including copies of your passport, insurance policy, and emergency contacts.
- Stay informed about local laws, customs, and potential risks at your destination.
- Follow basic health and safety measures, such as staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and practicing good hygiene.
The Importance of Adequate Insurance Limits and Umbrella Policies
Underestimating the potential costs of an accident or emergency during your trip can leave you financially vulnerable, even with travel insurance. Consider the following when choosing your policy:
- Higher coverage limits: Opt for higher coverage limits to ensure you’re adequately protected in the event of a costly emergency or accident.
- Umbrella policies: Consider adding an umbrella policy for additional liability coverage beyond the limits of your standard travel insurance policy.
Having adequate travel insurance is crucial for protecting yourself and your financial well-being during your trip. By understanding the different types of policies, coverage options, and potential limitations, you can make informed decisions and enjoy your travels with peace of mind. Remember, at Page Insurance, we’re here to help you navigate the world of insurance and find the best policy for your needs. Contact us today to discuss your travel insurance options and get a quote.
You don’t need to travel far to find the best deal on insurance. It’s right here.
John Page, President of Page Insurance, has been a driving force in the insurance industry since 1999. As a licensed agent in Property & Casualty, Life, and Health insurance, John has won numerous awards for agency management and works tirelessly to improve agency operations with the client in mind. He is passionate about building and investing in the Page team of experts, ensuring they deliver top-notch service to clients. In his free time, John enjoys snowmobiling, gaming, reading, traveling with his wife and three kids, and cheering on the local Idaho Falls hockey team.
by John Page | Apr 18, 2023 | Fun Stuff
We all make mistakes, but some of us are more “creative” than others. Whether it’s a DIY project gone wrong or an over-the-top stunt, our potential for doing something outrageously dumb is limitless. Thankfully, insurance is there to save the day. Here are 10 real-life stories of people who did something incredibly dumb, only to be rescued by their insurance coverage.
The Homemade Cannon Catastrophe
A man decided to build a homemade cannon in his backyard. After setting it off, the cannonball went through his neighbor’s wall, causing extensive damage. Luckily, his homeowner’s insurance policy covered the property damage, and no one was hurt.
The Accidental Car Wash Flood
A driver accidentally hit the gas pedal instead of the brake while at a car wash, plowing through the car wash’s wall and flooding the business. The driver’s auto insurance policy took care of the damages to both the car wash and the driver’s car.
The DIY Bungee Jump
A thrill-seeker set up a homemade bungee jump from their roof, only to crash through their neighbor’s skylight. Fortunately, the bungee jumper’s homeowner’s insurance covered the damage to the neighbor’s property.
The Indoor Fireworks Show
A person decided to set off fireworks inside their home, causing significant fire damage. Despite the unusual cause of the fire, their homeowner’s insurance covered the damages and helped them rebuild.
The Overenthusiastic Dog
A dog owner left their excited pup alone for just a few minutes, only to find their dog had chewed through a water pipe. The resulting flood caused substantial damage to their home. Thankfully, their homeowner’s insurance policy covered the water damage.
The Lawnmower Launch
A DIY enthusiast modified their lawnmower to increase its speed, lost control, and crashed it through their garage door. The homeowner’s insurance policy covered the damage to both the lawnmower and the garage door.
The Jet Ski Joyride
A person took their jet ski for a ride on a public fountain, causing damage to the fountain and their jet ski. Their personal liability coverage under their homeowner’s policy covered the damages to the fountain, and their personal watercraft insurance covered the damage to the jet ski.
The Tree-Felling Fiasco
A homeowner decided to cut down a tree in their yard without professional help. Unfortunately, the tree fell onto their house, causing significant damage. Their homeowner’s insurance policy covered the cost of repairing the damage.
The Unfortunate Wine Cellar
A wine enthusiast decided to turn their basement into a wine cellar. They installed a cooling system without proper ventilation, causing the unit to overheat and start a fire. Luckily, their homeowner’s insurance covered the damages and the cost of rebuilding the wine cellar.
The Backyard Fire-Breathing Act
A person tried to impress their friends with a fire-breathing act in their backyard, accidentally setting their deck on fire. Thankfully, their homeowner’s insurance policy covered the damages and helped them rebuild their deck.
As you can see, even the smartest people can do some pretty dumb things. The good news is that insurance is there to help when our creativity gets the best of us. At Page Insurance, we understand that accidents happen, and we’re here to help you find the best coverage for your unique circumstances and preferences. Remember, even if you think you couldn’t do something dumb, other people around you might. So, it’s always better to be prepared!
Smart savings here.
John Page, President of Page Insurance, has been a driving force in the insurance industry since 1999. As a licensed agent in Property & Casualty, Life, and Health insurance, John has won numerous awards for agency management and works tirelessly to improve agency operations with the client in mind. He is passionate about building and investing in the Page team of experts, ensuring they deliver top-notch service to clients. In his free time, John enjoys snowmobiling, gaming, reading, traveling with his wife and three kids, and cheering on the local Idaho Falls hockey team.
by John Page | Apr 18, 2023 | Fun Stuff
After one of the worst winters on record in Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming, spring and summer are finally upon us. With the change in seasons comes a new set of risks and challenges. In this blog post, we’ll share our top 7 tips to help you minimize those risks and enjoy a safe and fun-filled spring and summer.
Inspect Your Roof for Damage:
Heavy snow and ice can cause damage to your roof during winter. As the weather warms up, it’s essential to inspect your roof for any damage, such as loose shingles or leaks. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to avoid further damage or costly repairs down the road.
Check Your Home’s Drainage:
The melting snow and spring rains can lead to flooding in some areas. Make sure your home’s drainage system is working correctly to prevent water from pooling around your foundation. Clear gutters and downspouts of debris and ensure that water drains away from your home.
Prepare Your Sprinkler System:
Before you turn on your sprinkler system for the season, inspect it for any damage that may have occurred during the winter. Check for broken or leaking pipes, sprinkler heads, and valves. Fix any issues to ensure that your system is working efficiently and conserving water.
Service Your Air Conditioner:
As temperatures rise, you’ll rely on your air conditioner to keep your home cool and comfortable. Schedule a professional service to clean and inspect your system before the hot weather hits, ensuring that it’s working efficiently and preventing any potential issues.
Protect Your Home from Pests:
Spring and summer bring an increase in pest activity. Keep your home protected by sealing any gaps or cracks in your home’s exterior, cleaning up yard debris, and ensuring your screens are in good condition. You may also want to consider professional pest control services if necessary.
Prepare for Flooding:
Flooding can be a significant risk in some areas of Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming during the spring and summer months. Prepare by having a flood emergency plan, stocking up on sandbags, and considering flood insurance if you live in a high-risk area.
Wildfire Preparedness and Prevention:
Wildfires are a concern in Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming, especially during the warmer months. Create a defensible space around your home by clearing dry vegetation and debris, pruning trees and shrubs, and using fire-resistant landscaping materials. Have an evacuation plan in place and ensure your family knows what to do in case of a wildfire.
By taking these steps, you can minimize the risks associated with the spring and summer seasons in Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming. Stay proactive and prepared, so you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable time in the warmer months. Contact our team of experts anytime.
John Page, President of Page Insurance, has been a driving force in the insurance industry since 1999. As a licensed agent in Property & Casualty, Life, and Health insurance, John has won numerous awards for agency management and works tirelessly to improve agency operations with the client in mind. He is passionate about building and investing in the Page team of experts, ensuring they deliver top-notch service to clients. In his free time, John enjoys snowmobiling, gaming, reading, traveling with his wife and three kids, and cheering on the local Idaho Falls hockey team.
by John Page | Apr 18, 2023 | Insurance Tips & Tricks
Personal liability coverage is an essential part of any homeowners insurance policy. While many people are familiar with the slip and fall premise liability aspect, there is much more to personal liability coverage than that. In this blog post, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of personal liability coverage and showcase various examples of when it might save the day. At Page Insurance, we believe it’s important to be informed about your coverage to ensure you’re protected in a variety of situations.
Did you know?
- According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites account for about one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims, with an average payout of around $44,000 per claim.
- 75% of umbrella claims are related to auto accidents, but personal liability claims can also result from incidents on your property or damage caused by your family members or pets.
What is Personal Liability Coverage?
Personal liability coverage is the part of your homeowners insurance policy that provides financial protection if someone is injured or their property is damaged due to your actions, negligence, or accidents that occur on your property. It can also cover legal fees and medical bills associated with these incidents.
Examples of Personal Liability Coverage Saving the Day:
- Your child accidentally throws a baseball through a neighbor’s window, breaking it and damaging items inside their home.
- A guest at your home trips on a loose step, resulting in a broken ankle and medical bills.
- Your dog bites a visitor on your property, leading to medical treatment and potential legal fees.
- Your teenager accidentally damages a friend’s valuable artwork during a visit to their home.
- You unintentionally injure someone while participating in a recreational activity, like golf or tennis.
- A tree on your property falls and damages your neighbor’s fence or car.
- You accidentally cause water damage to your neighbor’s property while watering your lawn.
- Your child accidentally injures a classmate during a school event.
- A guest slips on an icy sidewalk outside your home and requires medical treatment.
- Your barbecue grill malfunctions and causes a fire that damages a neighbor’s property.
The Importance of Adequate Coverage and Umbrella Policies:
With the ever-growing costs of medical care, legal fees, and property damage, it’s crucial to ensure that you have adequate personal liability coverage in place. Standard homeowners policies typically offer personal liability coverage starting at $100,000, but at Page Insurance, we recommend increasing your coverage to at least $300,000 for all our clients.
In addition to increasing your personal liability coverage limits, we believe everyone should consider purchasing an umbrella policy. Umbrella policies provide an additional layer of liability coverage, usually starting at $1 million, and can protect you in the event that a claim exceeds your standard coverage limits. These policies are relatively affordable and can offer significant peace of mind.
What Personal Liability Coverage Does NOT Cover:
- Intentional acts that cause harm or damage
- Business activities conducted from your home (unless you have a specific endorsement)
- Damage to your own property
- Injuries or damage caused by a vehicle you own and operate (covered by auto insurance)
- Claims related to war, nuclear hazards, or certain natural disasters
Understanding the full scope of personal liability coverage and its various applications, as well as its limitations, is essential for every homeowner. With the right coverage in place, including potentially an umbrella policy, you can better protect your assets and your peace of mind. At Page Insurance, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of personal liability coverage and ensure that you have the protection you need.
John Page, President of Page Insurance, has been a driving force in the insurance industry since 1999. As a licensed agent in Property & Casualty, Life, and Health insurance, John has won numerous awards for agency management and works tirelessly to improve agency operations with the client in mind. He is passionate about building and investing in the Page team of experts, ensuring they deliver top-notch service to clients. In his free time, John enjoys snowmobiling, gaming, reading, traveling with his wife and three kids, and cheering on the local Idaho Falls hockey team.
by John Page | Apr 18, 2023 | Insurance Tips & Tricks
Renting a car can come with several decisions, including whether or not to purchase the insurance the rental car company offers. Many people are unsure about this additional coverage and whether it’s necessary. Page Insurance is here to help you navigate this choice and provide recommendations based on our years of experience in the industry.
Coverage Extension from Your Personal Auto Policy:
Typically, your auto insurance policy coverage extends to rental cars. If you have full coverage on your personal vehicle, it will extend to the rental, while if you only have liability coverage, there would be no comprehensive or collision coverage to extend to the rental car. It’s essential to check with your insurance agent to verify your specific policy details.
Loss of Use Charges:
One aspect that many people may not be aware of is that the rental car company can hold you liable for lost income while the car is being repaired, which is called “loss of use” charges. Some personal auto insurance policies may not cover these charges. In such cases, purchasing the insurance offered by the rental car company could provide additional protection and peace of mind.
Page Insurance Recommendation:
In the final analysis, Page Insurance recommends opting for the coverage provided by the rental car company. While your personal auto policy may extend to rental cars, the additional advantages offered by the rental car insurance, such as covering “loss of use” charges, can provide an extra layer of protection.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you and depends on your unique situation. Consulting with your insurance agent and discussing your specific coverage and any potential gaps before renting a car is always a good idea. At Page Insurance, we are here to help you make an informed decision and ensure you have the right coverage in place for your needs.
Get a quote here.
John Page, President of Page Insurance, has been a driving force in the insurance industry since 1999. As a licensed agent in Property & Casualty, Life, and Health insurance, John has won numerous awards for agency management and works tirelessly to improve agency operations with the client in mind. He is passionate about building and investing in the Page team of experts, ensuring they deliver top-notch service to clients. In his free time, John enjoys snowmobiling, gaming, reading, traveling with his wife and three kids, and cheering on the local Idaho Falls hockey team.
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