Heading Away for the August Bank Holiday? Don't Forget These Five Insurance Checks

Whether you're planning a weekend staycation, heading to the coast, or catching a flight abroad, the August Bank Holiday is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

With the excitement of getting away, it's easy to focus on packing the car or checking into your accommodation while overlooking a few important insurance considerations. Taking just a few minutes to prepare before you leave can help protect your home, your belongings and your trip, giving you greater peace of mind while you're away.

Here are five insurance checks worth making before you set off.

1. Check Your Travel Insurance Before You Go

If you're travelling abroad, don't leave purchasing travel insurance until the last minute.

Travel insurance can provide valuable protection if your trip doesn't go to plan, whether that's due to cancelled flights, lost luggage, medical emergencies or unexpected travel disruption. Buying cover as soon as you've booked your trip may also provide protection if you need to cancel before you travel, depending on the terms and conditions of your policy.

Before you leave, make sure you:

• Know what your policy covers.

• Check any exclusions or limits.

• Save your insurer's emergency contact details.

• Carry your policy information with you, either digitally or on paper.

If you're travelling within Ireland, travel insurance may still be worth considering, particularly if you've booked accommodation or activities that could be difficult to recover if plans change unexpectedly.

2. Secure Your Home Before You Leave

An empty home can be more vulnerable, particularly during busy holiday periods.

Before heading off:

• Lock all windows and doors.

• Set your burglar alarm if you have one.

• Ask a trusted neighbour, friend or family member to keep an eye on your property.

• Consider using timer switches to turn lights on in the evening.

• Avoid advertising your holiday in real time on social media.

These simple precautions can help reduce risk and may also help ensure you meet any security requirements outlined in your home insurance policy.

3. Double-Check Your Car Insurance

If you're driving this August Bank Holiday, it's worth taking a few moments to make sure everything is in order.

Ask yourself:

• Is your motor insurance up to date?

• Are all regular drivers correctly named on the policy?

• Do you have breakdown assistance if you need it?

• Is your vehicle roadworthy, with tyres, lights and fluids checked before setting off?

Heavy traffic and longer journeys can increase the likelihood of breakdowns or accidents, so being prepared can make all the difference.

4. Know What's Covered if Your Luggage Goes Missing

Lost or delayed baggage can quickly put a dampener on your holiday.

Before travelling, check whether your travel insurance includes cover for:

• Lost luggage.

• Delayed baggage.

• Personal belongings.

• Valuable items such as electronics or jewellery.

If your luggage is delayed or lost, report it to your airline immediately and keep copies of any reports and receipts for essential purchases, as these may be needed if you make a claim.

5. Keep Important Documents Safe

Having quick access to key information can make dealing with an unexpected situation much easier.

Before you travel, consider saving digital copies of:

• Your insurance documents.

• Passport.

• Driving licence.

• Booking confirmations.

• Emergency contact numbers.

Keeping copies securely stored on your phone or in cloud storage means you'll still have access to important information if your documents are lost or stolen.

Enjoy the Bank Holiday with Peace of Mind

The August Bank Holiday is a great opportunity to relax, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy a well-earned break. By taking a few simple steps before you leave, you can reduce the risk of unexpected problems and focus on making the most of your time away.

A little preparation today can help give you greater peace of mind tomorrow.

Safe travels, and enjoy the long weekend!

Need More Assistance?

If you have further questions, you can contact Insurance Ireland’s Information Services team:

Email: feedback@insuranceireland.eu
Tel: (01) 676 1820