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Insurance Education

Don't Dampen Your Travel Plans; The Truth About Travel Insurance

11/25/2020

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While traveling might look a little differently this year, it's always smart to be prepared.

Traveling throughout 2020 has been such a strange and unique experience, and hasn't looked like anything we've ever seen before. For most, traveling has become something we've put on the back burner and will come back to once it's safe to do so again. However, even with that in mind, the most important thing to remember is that traveling as we've always known it will be back again. We will be able to enjoy every aspect of traveling again someday soon and will be enjoying our regularly scheduled vacation plans again. For now, it's just on pause. Until then, since we all have a little time on our hands, it's a great time to learn a little bit more about the many ways to keep you and your family safe the next time you're on your dream vacations. While you're dreaming about packing up your favorite overnight bag and the stack of books you want to read by the pool, we encourage you to start adding travel insurance to those thoughts and considerations.

One of our favorite topics is, of course, insurance, and it applies to every aspect of your life. In the spirit of celebrating the joy of travel and counting down the days until your next (safe) big trip, we wanted to chat about the truths and misconceptions of travel insurance. Myths and misconceptions on any topic are a dangerous road to go down. They can, sadly, cause hundreds of well-meaning people and travelers to make some not so smart decisions. Thanks to these myths floating around out there, travel insurance has gotten a pretty bad reputation that it's not needed and that it's a waste of time and money. Please know that these myths and misconceptions are called that for a reason and have been getting in the way of guaranteeing safe and fantastic trips for millions of people every year. Also keep in mind that if you are planning on traveling internationally, travel insurance is a necessity, and we wouldn't ever recommend getting on a plane without it.

Myth: My credit card offers plenty of protection while I'm traveling, and I won't need any more protection than that!
Fact: First and foremost, your travel credit cards only cover a few basic things, and in almost every situation they won't cover much if any healthcare if you get sick or injured while you're out of the country. If you're traveling inside of the United States, it still is very much the same. While your healthcare will be out of network while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home, most likely, it will still be better than traveling globally without any health insurance.  If you choose to rely on your travel credit card as your travel insurance while you're away from home, please call and speak with your credit card company first, just so you know exactly what protection you'll have, if any! Even the best travel credit cards out there offer little more than protection for stolen items, loss of baggage, or a canceled trip. While some medical expenses could be covered, the coverage limit will be very low. The amount you could be spending out of pocket could be huge, and much more than you would be paying for a travel insurance plan. We urge you to speak with us or your insurance provider about some travel insurance on top of the protection your credit card offers. This way your medical needs, if by chance something does happen when you're away, can be taken care of much more affordably.

Myth: Travel insurance doesn't cover pre-existing conditions.
Fact: This is a moment where we need to pause and have you read the fine print on any travel insurance package. If you have a pre-existing condition, and you were healthy and stable before the start of your trip, travel insurance will help cover you for things you might need if something happens due to your pre-existing condition while you're traveling. If you need more medication or need to see a doctor because of it, travel insurance will help taking care of you with ease. When planning out a trip and you choose to sit down and talk with us at Abri or with your current insurance provider, make sure you pick an appropriate travel insurance plan with your specific needs and with your condition in mind. According to AAA, they encourage people to remember that the term "pre-existing" can be much broader than many people realize. Don't just dismiss the idea that your condition isn't included under the pre-existing bubble. Make sure to do your research! Also, please don't wait to get coverage for your pre-existing condition added to your travel insurance plan. You will need to apply for it between 10 days and a month of booking your trip, according to AAA.

Myth: Travel insurance is too expensive!
Fact: Remember, as we've mentioned before, if you get sick or injured 100 miles or more away from your home or when you're outside of the country, it can cost you much more than what you'll end up paying out of pocket for your travel insurance policy. According to AAA, travel insurance will cost 5-8% of your trips overall cost. So, yes, the more your trip costs the more you will be paying for insurance. However, if you can't pay the out-of-pocket expenses if your trip is canceled, if you have to rebook your flight or hotel last minute, then travel insurance is the way to go. In any of these last-minute situations, your travel insurance will be able to give you the protection you need financially and for your mental well being.

Myth: I have great health insurance already, so that will cover me on my trip! Travel insurance and health insurance are the same things, anyway.
Fact: This is a very big issue that's found across the board, and it is also a very false statement. Your personal health insurance won't provide protection or support with trip interruption, trip cancellation, damaged possessions, stolen items, lost items, emergency evacuation, or if there is a natural disaster where you've chosen to vacation and you're now dealing with the situation as an expatriate. Travel insurance, on the other hand, does. Also, while your health insurance might cover "customary" and "reasonable" expenses when you're abroad, most of your other costs won't be covered, according to AAA. This can happen when you're simply out of network when you're traveling in the US, too. Also, Medicare does not cover chargers that happen outside of the United States. So, if you have to be moved to a different doctor or specialist while you're traveling abroad (also called medical evacuation) it will not be covered under Medicare and nor will your other medical related issues. Also, if you're using insurance through your employer while traveling, you might be the only one it covers during your trip. While your spouse or child might be covered under this insurance while you're at home, this might not be the cause while you're traveling. This could put your loved ones at serious risk while traveling if all you have is your normal health insurance with you during your trip and not travel insurance.

Myth: I'm incredibly healthy and I'm a very safe person. Nothing will happen to me or my belongings while I'm traveling!
Fact: While you might be healthy and safe, there is so much about life and other people that you cannot control when it comes to traveling and what could happen. So much of what could happen during a trip that could put you in danger or cause you to leave and head back home because of an emergency has nothing to do with how healthy you are or how safe you live your life. You don't have control over the weather, over a canceled flight, or if someone chooses to steal your belongings or passport. Don't assume either, that even if you're just traveling over a short period that you're safe from these disasters. One bad day, one bad storm, or the loss of all your luggage in a matter of one flight can happen when you least expect it. There is no amount of specific time between when a disaster can and cannot happen!

We hope we've put your traveling plans in a new perspective after reading this blog! During these unknown times where traveling is already a gamble, travel insurance shouldn't be a question. Be prepared, travel safely, and make sure to put travel insurance at the top of your to-do list when making plans for your next trip. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out and chat with us! We are here for all of your insurance needs and questions! We are excited to work with you and love being a part of the Summerville community!
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The Truth Behind RV Insurance

10/28/2020

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No matter if you're enjoying the safer side of vacationing in 2020 or living out your dreams of traveling in your golden years, your beloved RV needs the best insurance possible to keep you and your travel dreams safe.

2020 might not have been the year for vacations, but there have still been some ways to (safely) get out of the house with any real dangers or worries. One of the best ways to travel now is by RV! Thankfully with so many places to drive to in the United States, we have been able to travel and see some of our favorite and new favorite places from the comfort of our own mini living rooms. While some people only use their RVs for vacation purposes and others live in them full time, these vehicles, no matter their size, still need insurance. Do you have the proper coverage or do you have questions about what this coverage can give you? This is what we are going to be discussing in our blog today! 

First of all, you might want to know what RV insurance is. It is the agreement you've made with your insurance provider to pay an agreed-upon monthly amount to provide coverage and protection for your RV if damage or harm comes to you, your vehicle, or others. This insurance covers a wide range of vehicles from camper vans to converted buses to your travel campers and motor homes.

Like any other standard insurance that you can buy, you can pick and choose from a variety of coverage plans depending on the size and type of your RV, what you use it for, and more. There are two basic types of RV insurance, one is if you use your RV for recreational use, and the other is when you use your RV as your permanent residence. RV insurance will cover Class A, B, and C vehicles. While this is a plan that you and your insurance agent will pick together, the more you add to your plan to cover your RV, the more expensive it will become. If you have any questions about your RV or your current coverage, please don't hesitate to reach out and talk with us! 

As we mentioned above, there are two different types of insurance based on how you use your RV. The first type, Recreational Insurance, is just for those who use their RV for vacation. Full-timers insurance is dedicated to those who live in their RV full time and consider it their permanent residence. Coverage for full-timers is closer to homeowner's insurance if you choose. You can add additional coverage for personal liability and loss assessment. Here are a few things to know about what to expect in your coverage:
  • You will need to buy motor home insurance. Since this is a vehicle you will be driving on the road, it needs to be insured for at least the minim liability for your state. If you don't have insurance and you're caught, you could lose your license, receive some heavy fines, or even face jail time according to Progressive Insurance. 
  • If you are towing something on your motor home, like a travel trailer, you don't need insurance for that since you aren't actually driving it. However, you should consider getting coverage for it as it is an important asset to your travels and enjoying your RV. The car you might be pulling on this trailer will still need insurance though, as will a boat. 
  • RV Insurance is very important because it is protecting the large investment you've made. Also, just like any vehicle, it can be involved in very serious accidents, In the case of an emergency, you will be grateful that you have insurance compared to the alternative. 

What does RV insurance cover? This is a very important question to ask your insurance company when you're in the market. You will be looking at a plan that does multiple things for you! 
  • Your injuries will be covered. Regardless if you caused the accident or not that resulted in your injuries, all of your medical bills will be covered up to the limits you have chosen. 
  • Your plan will cover damage done to your RV from uninsured drivers or drivers whose coverage can't cover your damages or injuries. 
  • Your plan will also cover damages and injury done by you and your motor home or RV. According to progressive, this is the only required coverage you need in most states, but we urge you to add more to your plan for the protection of you and your belongings. 
  • Your plan will also cover damages to your RV. Most plans will offer you collision and comprehensive coverage which will help in protecting your RV from acts of nature, theft, windshield damage, vandalism, accidents, and more. The collision part of your plan will help in cases of an accident with an object or vehicle, regardless of whose fault it is. With most plans for your RV, you have to have both collision and comprehensive coverage, you can't have one without the other! 

We mentioned previously that there is an opportunity to add more options and coverage to your RV. We do suggest that when building your plan that you include all the coverage we have listed above. However, when it comes to this next list, it all depends on you, your personal needs, and your insurance agent. Again, please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you'd like to discuss your options or begin creating the perfect plan for your needs. 
  • One possible add on is total loss replacement of your RV. If it is totaled, your insurance company could pay for a brand new one, minus the price of our deductible. 
  • Another add on is roadside assistance. Not every company provides this, but it can be an option. This can help you get towed when you need, help with a flat tire, help if you're stuck in the mud or snow, and much more! 
  • If you happen to get into an accident and you can't stay in your RV after the accident occurs and you are 50 miles or more away from home, some companies offer an add on for transportation, lodging, and more. 
  • We know that some of you love to travel with your pets or they live with you in your motorhome. Some companies have add on options for pet coverage if they are hurt in an accident involving the RV or motorhome. 
  • An additional and important potential add on that some companies offer is something called vacation liability. This will cover you if or yours staying in the RV are hurt while on vacation. It can also cover property damage. 

How is your current RV insurance looking now that you've read this blog? Are you feeling confident about your next trip or are you feeling even more nervous from when you started your research? Don't panic! Now that you know this information, you know what to think about and talk about when you give us a call. We are here for you and your RV, so gas it on up and give us a visit! 

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