We have been looking at our Insurance policy where we have cover for Accidental Damage( Australia Wide cover) and pay an extra premium every year to have this. The idea being that when we are travelling in the van we are covered for the gear we have, eg camera, hearing aids, jewellery etc. This is on top of our contents in the van which is a different policy. Looking closely at the fine print they only accept this cover for 60 days away from home. This doesn't cover a good holiday away from the cold weather down south! Insurance companies seem happy to take your money but not give it back when you need it. We have been with the RAA for many years and now that we want to enjoy our travelling they put stipulations on our cover. There is also fine print about being away from home more than 90 days which can jeopardise your home contents cover. Would be interested to hear from others who may have an Insurance Company that does not have these rules or how you get around it. I know I could lie and not mention how long we are away for but that isn't me.
Yes we need to be aware of these things I first discovered them in my policy some time ago so you need to take action so as to fit into the time frames laid down I suspect this is one of the reasons people get others to house sit
The 90 days away from home for your house insurance is not so hard to cover its the contents that you have with you like your Engel fridge, jewellery, cameras, laptops etc.that is only covered for 60 days that concerns me. I actually rang the RAA back to see what other options I had, they suggested travel insurance, I don't think so seeing I already pay for health cover etc and this isn't really covering me for what I want. I thought it interesting that the chap I spoke to wasn't even aware of the 60 day rule and said well that's something new I have learnt today. Shows you can't rely on them for giving you correct info. APIA have a longer term, I think 120 days but it's still capped, Westpac no problems unlimited time but yet to see their home and contents policy .
We insured all that with CIL. When I spoke to the RAA (where we have car insurance) they told us they wouldnt cover a caravan plus contents on the move. CIL, however, do the lot up to an amount you specify. CIL also cover you on the move anyplace in Australia.
Cheers
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Ex RAAF, now retired. EX Electrician/Teacher.
Homebase is Murray Bridge Tourist Park (in a cabin). New Horse.. 2020 Ford Everest Titanium, Jayco swan for touring.
Hi,
We have insured with the RAA for accidental breakage/loss/or stolen cover with no time limit, this year and last year. However to get this cover on top of our house cover we have specified the items with serial numbers etc these items (3 Gold Prospecting metal detectors) total around $17,000 with world wide cover.
My understanding re the 60 days time limit is for unspecified items with cover up to $2000 or $5000.
I have just confirmed this with RAA insurance, because we will be taking out similar cover winter 2017 and these Minelab detectors have been known to get stolen.
And I agree, you need to talk to someone who understands their policies.
In answer to your concerns, can I say that most insurance policies have the 90 day or similar clause in their policies with regards to your home/ contents insurance cover. However, I have been with National Seniors Insurance (underwritten by Allianz Insurance) for more than a decade and have been away for periods in excess of 90 days. I urge you to contact & advise your insurer prior to travelling if you are going to be away for greater than the period stated in your policy.
National Seniors have always noted on my policy the period I am away and Allianz has accepted & agreed to keep me covered for this period. Sometimes there may be a small additional premium but on most occasions they do not charge. IMPORTANTLY - ensure you have adequate security measures in place e.g. mail redirected or collected, lawns & gardens maintained, dead locks on all doors leading to external of house, window locks or security screens etc. Alarms are helpful but not necessary. Remember, you may pay the premium, but insurance companies access the risk and decide as to whether it is appropriate.
As for your personal items whilst travelling e.g. laptop, cameras, jewellery etc., check your policy to ensure they are covered & if not, refer to your insurance company to arrange cover if it is not automatically covered. National Seniors policy automatically covered me for my items of this nature.
I hope this assists rather than those you are just content on bashing banks & insurance companies for the sake of "bashing".
rbm1956 - I am assuming that your comment was said with 'tongue in cheek' because having had insurance claims investigated for fraud or potential fraud over many years, I can assure it is very easy to ascertain how long someone has been away from their home e.g. mobile phone records, credit card records, mail collection or redirection etc., but the easiest way is to ask the neighbours, because not all of them will lie or at least come up with the same lie. Again,
Thankyou for all the comments, I contacted the RAA again about how we can overcome the problem of my contents on the road being covered for longer than 60 days and they came back with no they cannot do this. They were apologetic about it but said its their policy but will try and see if we can do it by specifying particular items as suggested by one of you. I'm not bashing Companies just disappointed that when you pay premiums for years , don't have claims and then find that when you think you are covered you find your not. Luckily I am not in a position that I need to make a claim and can hopefully find a company that does cover your possessions away from home for at least 6 months. I agree it is also silly to think that they cannot prove you have been away from home for a long period if you need to make a claim
