Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country adventure or taking the coastal route, don’t start your road trip without considering travel insurance
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One of the best things about road trips is the freedom to explore at your own pace, an on our own terms. Travel insurance is designed for many modes of transport, but there are specific reasons why it’s important for road trips.
Anything from falling ill to jury duty can prevent you from taking your trip. With this coverage, you may be able to recuperate your pre-paid, non-refundable deposits.
Safety is a priority when you’re getting behind the wheel and traveling to new destinations. A trip protection plan can buffer the hazards of being on the road.
Car breakdowns and traffic accidents can put a dent in your wallet (as well as your car) if you don’t have vehicle coverage. Some World Nomads plans offer damage collision waiver coverage depending on your country of residence and your choice of a Standard or Explorer plan.
If you’re in a crisis, whether you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere or need urgent medical attention, our Emergency Assistance team is available 24/7 in whatever part of the world you’re traveling.
You may need help getting your trip back on track when you encounter problems whether that be a sudden illness, or an incident caused by bad weather.
If thieves break into your hotel room, you can make a claim for a replacement or a reimbursement of your stolen items.
While Ireland may be a top destination for a road trip, many Irish travellers are keen to explore the world. Maybe you’re dreaming of cruising the South Coast of Italy, driving in Australia’s Outback or town-hopping along the Pacific Coast Highway in California. Whatever road you plan, it’s always a good bet to have travel insurance just in case an unexpected setback puts the brakes on your trip.
One of the best things about a road trip is the freedom to explore at your own pace, on your own terms. Travel insurance is designed for many modes of transport, and there are many reasons why it’s important while you’re on the road.
Has your road trip ended before it started? An unexpected illness, a car accident or the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issuing a travel warning advising against ‘All Travel’ or ‘All But Essential Travel’ to a specific region or country can stop you from getting on the road at all. The cancellation benefit is for certain insured events and may allow you to cancel your trip and recuperate your pre-paid, non-refundable deposits when an emergency happens. Check out more about the benefits of travel insurance to know what you may be covered for.
Your health and safety are a priority when you’re getting behind the wheel and travelling to new destinations. Especially if your injuries are beyond minor bumps and scratches and you end up in hospital. Our plans include emergency evacuation coverage for ambulances or transfers to an appropriate medical facility when needed. If you’re accidentally injured or suddenly become ill while on your road trip, our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team is on hand to help you. Always, ensure you check the maximum benefit amount specified which is outlined in in your Policy Wording.
3.Rental car insurance for vehicle damage
Car breakdowns and traffic accidents can put a dent in your wallet as well as your rental car if you don’t have vehicle coverage. World Nomads’ Explorer plans offer cover if your rental car is damaged or stolen during your trip. Cover is also available for the cost of replacing car keys if lost, stolen or damaged during the rental period. You must have a valid licence in Ireland for the class of vehicle you’re driving overseas, regardless of local laws. Please note: travel insurance doesn’t replace the need to have a signed rental vehicle agreement or damage waiver in place.
4.Emergency assistance at any hour of the day
When you’re in an unfamiliar place (especially a country where you don’t speak the language), it’s hard to know where to go for help. When you buy a World Nomads plan, you’ll have access to our 24-hour Emergency Assistance team to support you in a crisis. Whether your car has broken down in the middle of nowhere, you need urgent medical attention or a referral for roadside assistance, our Emergency Assistance team can help you out wherever you’re travelling.
5. Road trip interruptions and delay
There’s nothing worse than spending a lot of money on a big trip investment only to lose everything something unexpected throws a wrench in your plans. Trip interruption coverage can help salvage the pre-paid, non-refundable trip expenses you’ve forfeited because of an insured event that disrupted your travels after you left Ireland. You will need to purchase the Explorer plan to access trip interruption and travel delay benefits. Check out our Help Centre article on what to look out for when it comes to trip interruption.
You may also need help getting your trip back on track. If you get delayed while overseas by more than 12 hours, you may need to pay for a hotel or a meal as you catch up to your itinerary. Check your Policy Wording for any conditions you need to meet: your delay might need to be a certain number of hours, (more than 12 hours for Irish travellers) or be caused by an insured event. Check out our Help Centre article which has information on delayed and missed flights.
6. Protection for stolen belongings and baggage
You may have camping gear in your trunk or sunglasses in your glove compartment. Thieves can be crafty enough to dodge security measures and get into locked spaces. You can make a claim for a replacement or a reimbursement of your stolen items, up to a per item and total maximum limit. Please note, if the baggage is stolen from a vehicle, there must be visible evidence of damage and forced and violent entry into the vehicle and/or locked compartment, which is confirmed by a police report. Always keep any proof of ownership, age and value of your belongings. And keep any receipts for items you buy on your trip in case you need to make a claim.
Some of the main exclusions include:
Check out these World Nomads road trip articles:
The policy isn’t designed to cover everything, so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the Policy Wording for full details so that there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.
We parked a rental car in the parking lot of a restaurant in Haut Bay, an area of Cape Town. After eating dinner, we returned to the car to find that a window had been broken and anything within easy reach had been stolen. Luckily for us, we had been smart enough to bring our very expensive camera inside the restaurant with us, only leaving behind the case and an extra lens.
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Contact the teamTravel insurance for independent travelers. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to impact many travellers around the world. Before you buy, read the travel alerts and check government travel advice and restrictions for your destination(s) as these may impact cover, or your ability to travel. NOTE: A 48-hour waiting period (time excess) applies to some Coronavirus-related cancellation cover; other waiting periods may apply.