This winter, Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro is offering insurance and safety suggestions to Delawareans:

 Winter activities

If you’re traveling and ready to jump on a lift to take your board or skis down your favorite slope or get your ice skates laced up for the rink, check your homeowners or renters policy, as well as your health insurance, to ensure you know what to do in case of an accident or a loss.

Generally, equipment you own will be covered, up to a specific amount by your homeowners or renters policy. Check the limit in your policy and decide if that will be enough to replace damaged or stolen equipment. Remember to factor in your deductible. If you think you need more coverage, ask your insurance agent about an additional rider.

Another consideration is air ambulance rides if you’re skiing or snow-boarding in a remote location. Check out this Air Ambulance Alert for more information.

If you are out of town without access to your physician or local health care center, review your emergency medical treatment requirements:

• Are you required to seek medical treatment at a certain hospital or urgent care center that is in your insurer’s network?
• Will you have a copay?
• If you need to fill a prescription, do you have to go to a certain pharmacy?

Make a list of these details and carry your insurance card with you when you travel.

Cold & flu season

Doctors’ offices are often crowded during the winter months, meaning you may have a time-consuming wait when seeking treatment for a sore throat or an earache. Your health insurance may offer alternatives. Ask whether your plan includes options such as phone or web consultations with health care professionals who can answer questions or provide remote diagnosis. Additionally, mini-med or urgent care centers may accept your health insurance and are likely more cost-effective than a trip to the ER. However, for any prolonged or acute illness, it is best to visit your doctor.

Snow plowing

If you plan to remove snow from your driveway with your own plow attached to your vehicle, your personal auto policy should cover your liability and any property damage you might cause. But before offering to help friends and family, read through your policy or talk with your auto insurance agent to make sure you are covered if something were to happen.

If you are using your plow to make a little extra cash this winter, your personal auto insurance policy will not likely provide coverage if an accident occurs. Ask your agent if an endorsement is available to add to your existing policy or if a commercial auto policy – one that includes coverage for plowing – makes sense before committing your services.

Snow removal at home

If you plan to remove snow from your driveway with your own plow attached to your vehicle, your personal auto policy should cover your liability and any property damage you might cause. But before offering to help friends and family, read through your policy or talk with your auto insurance agent to make sure you are covered if something were to happen.

If you are using your plow to make a little extra cash this winter, your personal auto insurance policy will not likely provide coverage if an accident occurs. Ask your agent if an endorsement is available to add to your existing policy or if a commercial auto policy – one that includes coverage for plowing – makes sense before committing your services.

Travel insurance

Traveling in the winter months can be full of surprises. Even if you’re traveling somewhere warm, bad weather can cause delays. To help mitigate the cost of rebooking a flight or an unexpected overnight stay, travel sites and airlines offer travel insurance that may cover unexpected delays or cancelations. Check out this Travel Insurance Consumer Alert for more information.
Travel insurance can cover everything from lost luggage to delays and cancellations. Make sure to closely read any policy you consider.

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Contact:  Vince Ryan

(302) 674-7303

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