Traveling is stressful. Just getting to the airport on time and parking can be an epic ordeal. And then there are baggage fees, security screenings, delays, and the list goes on and on.
While there isn’t an insurance policy that can protect you from all the horrors above 30,000 feet—nothing can save you from the terrible food—some auto and home insurance policies may have features that could help if something happens while you’re traveling.
Hackers and cyber criminals have begun to replace pickpockets and common thieves. And unlike having your wallet taken, you might not know your personal information has been breached until it’s too late. For example, use a credit card at the wrong restaurant or gas station and you might be the victim of a "skimming machine" scam; these small devices store credit card information during a transaction. Identity theft recently topped the Federal Trade Commission’s ranking of consumer complaints for the 15th consecutive year. If your identity is compromised, identity fraud expense coverage could help you recover.
In 2012, Bloomberg Business reported that the average American household had 5 connected devices, ranging from smartphones to gaming consoles. Surprisingly, more than 6 percent of households had more than 15 connected devices. And that was back in 2012, a Neolithic period when it comes to technological evolution. How many connected devices do those households have today? The point is this: while we talk about enjoying tech free vacations, of traveling and reconnecting with family members and friends without screens and social media and online games, we’re still lugging our electronics halfway around the world. And all of that hardware needs to be protected.
Computer and data recovery coverage may protect your personal computer hardware and software, such as tablets, laptops, and desktops. Gadget theft is common. Thieves are quick. According to The Guardian, technology research firm, Gartner, reported that a laptop is stolen every 53 seconds. While the best way to prevent a snatch and grab is to have your computer in sight at all times, having computer and data coverage in your homeowners policy could help give you peace of mind.
Have you always dreamed of renting a fancy car and cruising the roads of the French Riviera? Either way, you may want to consider auto insurance that provides worldwide liability for wherever your travels may take you. While you want your holiday to be fun, it also needs to be safe.
To help make sure you’re sufficiently protected talk to your insurance agent before you take off on your next vacation.