travel insurance masterWhether you're planning a staycation or a vacation, travel insurance is an important piece of any trip that takes you 100 miles or more from home! Find out why it should be an essential part of your travel planning process this summer and beyond!
Did you know even a seasonal rental, not just traditional accommodations like a hotel or resort can benefit from the protection of travel insurance?
Before you book your next vacation rental, you will want to reach out to the host with any questions you might have and to get a handle on what to expect. Reviews sometimes don’t answer all your questions so contacting them before you book will give you added peace of mind. Your host may have some recommendations before you arrive but don’t be afraid to do your own research of the area, and find itinerary ideas beforehand. Will it be too far to walk to the nearest beach or restaurant, and closer to the highway than you thought? These are things to keep in mind and find out before you book.
Also like your travel insurance policy, you should be familiar with the procedures for checking in and out. If you’re traveling to a new place you may not have cell phone reception and you will want to coordinate with the host beforehand on how you will pick up the keys to your rental and ask if there are any tips to get there to avoid any mishaps!
What if you need to cancel? Be familiar with the policies of your rental. If it’s non-refundable, keep the next travel insurance tips in mind.
Travel insurance covers your trip cost meaning your prepaid and non-refundable expenses. With a vacation rental, Airbnb, or even VRBO, if the entire amount or even just the deposit is prepaid and nonrefundable, you will want to protect it. Many vacation rentals are non-refundable and do not have much flexibility on date changes or cancellations since their terms are normally set by the owner or host. Without travel insurance, if the unexpected happens, you could be left without a refund.
If something happens like an illness or another covered reason, causing you to need to cancel your trip, you’ll be happy your travel investment is protected with the right travel insurance plan. Comprehensive plans with Trip Cancellation have a variety of covered reasons which will need to be proven for 100% reimbursement. For the most flexibility look for a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) benefit. This will allow you to cancel for any reason whatsoever, usually up to 48 hours prior to departure, for up to 75% reimbursement of your trip cost.
If the unexpected happens during your trip, and the situation causes you to cut your trip short, you may be entitled for reimbursement of the unused portion of your trip cost and additional costs to get home safely. Be familiar with your certificate of insurance and the covered reasons for cancellation, interruption, and what is required in terms of documentation.
Just like a book, don’t judge anything by its cover. Be sure to read reviews of your vacation rental and keep an eye on the date they were posted as you’ll want to pay close attention to the recent ones. Are they well written and supported by photos? A discerning eye can find legitimate reviews to make the best decision for your travel needs. After you trip, don’t forget to leave your own review for future travelers like you.
You can sometimes find savings on any type of accommodation by being flexible on your travel dates. Booking during the shoulder season or the months between the peak and low season, can mean less crowds, and more savings. Keep in mind the savings can come at a cost though, especially if inclement weather is more of a threat during this time and you will want to consider the next travel insurance benefit.
If your vacation rental is impacted by adverse weather, you’ll be happy to have purchased travel insurance with the Hurricane and Weather benefit. If your home or your accommodations become inaccessible or uninhabitable due to fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, or other natural disaster, you may be able to make a Trip Cancellation or Interruption claim. See your specific plan for coverage details.
Don’t wait until check in to find out beach towels or a coffee maker is not provided. Check what amenities are offered by your host and plan accordingly. Do you have a special request? Don’t be afraid to communicate with them to see if they can provide it for you! They may even have a recommendation for you if they can’t meet your request.
READY TO BOOK? PROTECT YOUR TRIP!
Luckily travelinsurancemaster.com makes it easier than ever to find your personalized recommendation from the top industry providers all in one place! You can request a quote, view your recommended plan, and compare side by side with similar plans to find the best fit for you. Plus you can easily filter plans by the benefits you're most interested in. Protecting your trip has never been easier, with travelinsurancemaster.com
