Wednesday, May 19, 2004

Questions and answers from Oxendine Question: I’m planning to take a long vacation this year. Do I need any special insurance to cover me while I’m away from home? What about protection for my property while I’m gone? Answer: One consideration when you travel is medical insurance. Your medical coverage may be limited away from home, or you may not be covered at all. If you are traveling outside your home state, you should review your health coverage for any limitations. Especially check for any provision for medical providers in the area(s) in which you are vacationing.ÊIf your plans include travel outside the United States, you may need “special health” coverage.ÊThis may be available under some “Travel Protection” policies. While you’re away, most homeowners policies will continue to provide protection for your personal property and for your dwelling. However, you may wish to check your policy to be certain there are no special limitations in coverage for personal property that you take with you. Also, the policy exclusions should be reviewed. All policies require that a loss be reported promptly and that immediate action be taken to prevent additional damages from occurring. If you are on an extended vacation, there are certain steps you should consider. You should have someone you trust to check your home on a regular basis, or possibly hire a house sitter.ÊIf no one is occupying your home, you should consider taking the following actions: • Stop delivery of all papers and mail. • Cut off the water supply to your dwelling. • Check your alarm system to be certain it’s operative. • Notify your alarm company of your intended absence. • Make sure that the person checking the home and your alarm company can reach you in an emergency. You should be aware of restrictions in your policy and situations which may limit or eliminate protection from a loss. You may have “limited” theft coverage, but even “full” coverage may impose limitations. For example, mysterious disappearance, misplaced luggage at airports and contents in unlocked vehicles may not be covered. Finally, if you’re planning an expensive vacation, you may want to consider travel protection insurance. Policies are available that cover various unforeseen events, such as canceling or interrupting a vacation due to accident or illness, delayed or cancelled air flights, weather conditions, vehicle failure, and lost baggage. If you are considering purchasing such insurance, you should be certain what you buy.ÊAll travel policies provide only limited coverage. Many are more restrictive than others. Some may only reimburse you for the cost of your “vacation package.” (Please send your insurance or fire safety questions to Insurance and Fire Commissioner John Oxendine, 716 West Tower, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA 30334 or call 404-656-2070 (toll free at 1-800-656-2298) for assistance with an insurance question, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. TDD services available at 404-656-4031.)