Heading to Electric Picnic This Weekend? Here Are Five Insurance Checks Worth Making

With artists such as the Gorillaz, Fontaines D.C. and CMAT on the line-up, thousands of festivalgoers will be making their way to Stradbally for one of the biggest weekends of the summer.  

Between packing the tent, planning your journey and getting ready for the weekend, insurance might not be the first thing on your mind. However, taking a few minutes to review your cover before you leave could help avoid unexpected problems later.

1. Are Your Valuables Covered Away From Home? 

Phones, headphones, cameras, smartwatches and camping equipment can quickly add up in value, with some festivalgoers potentially bringing hundreds or even thousands of euro worth of belongings with them. 

Some home insurance policies may provide cover for personal belongings while they are away from home, while others offer this as an optional extra. Electronic devices that are not covered under your home insurance may also be covered through a separate gadget insurance policy. 

Before travelling, find out what belongings are covered, whether individual item limits apply and what your policy says about loss, theft or accidental damage. It is also a good idea to keep valuables with you where possible and avoid leaving expensive items unattended in your tent. 

2. Driving to Stradbally? 

With large numbers of people travelling to Stradbally, roads around the festival are likely to be particularly busy. 

If you are driving, ensure your motor insurance is up to date and that anyone else who may drive the car is correctly covered. Check whether your policy includes breakdown assistance, as this could be useful if something goes wrong during your journey. Save any emergency or breakdown contact details before you leave. 

3. Taking a Campervan? 

Campervans are a popular way to stay at festivals, but they are not generally covered under a standard private car insurance policy and usually require dedicated campervan or motorhome insurance. 

Whether you are driving your own campervan or renting one for the weekend, ensure the appropriate insurance is in place before you set off. If you own the vehicle, check that your policy covers how you intend to use it. If you are renting, review the insurance provided with the vehicle, who is permitted to drive it and any excesses or restrictions that apply. It is also worth checking whether belongings kept inside the campervan are covered. 

4. Travelling From Overseas? 

Electric Picnic attracts visitors from outside Ireland each year. 

If you are travelling from overseas, travel insurance may be worth considering from the time you book your trip. Depending on the policy, it may provide protection for trip cancellation, travel disruption, emergency medical expenses or lost baggage. 

Cover, limits and exclusions vary, so read your policy documents and understand what protection applies before you travel. Keep your insurer’s emergency contact details and a digital copy of your policy somewhere easy to access if you need them. 

5. Working or Trading at Electric Picnic? 

Electric Picnic is not only a weekend away for festivalgoers. Traders, food vendors, exhibitors and other businesses also work throughout the festival. 

If you are attending as part of a business, the insurance you need will depend on what you are doing. This could include public liability insurance, which can provide protection if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your business activities, as well as cover for business stock or equipment. Commercial vehicle insurance may also be needed if you are transporting goods, stock or equipment to and from the festival. 

Stock, tools or other business property brought to the festival may not automatically be covered under an existing policy. Before travelling, review your business insurance and ensure it reflects the activities you will be carrying out. 

Enjoy the Weekend 

Whether you are heading to Electric Picnic for the music, travelling from overseas or working at the festival, a little preparation before you leave can make the weekend easier. 

Take a moment to understand the cover you have, any limits or exclusions that apply and where to find your insurance information if you need it. 

Then you can focus on enjoying the festival. 

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