The semester break is just around the corner. For many compatriots this means: up to the summit and carving down. It can happen that there are accidents that cause damage of several thousand euros.
Ms. and Mr. Austrians are not even aware of the consequences: “Many inquiries about insurance cover only come after the accident,” says insurance expert Doris Wahl from the Upper Austrian Chamber of Labor (AK). In the case of skiing accidents, questions about liability often arise first. Because very few people know that a claim for pain and suffering can take on life-threatening proportions.
Examination before vacation
Therefore, the AK OÖ advises not to let it get that far in the first place. “It makes sense to check before you go on vacation whether you have adequate insurance,” advises the expert. A lot has already been done with household insurance that includes personal liability insurance. This covers justified monetary claims that can be made by the other party involved in the accident and helps to defend against unfounded claims. According to the AK, if you are injured yourself, it is advisable to have private legal protection insurance in order to assert the claims.
“It is important to secure evidence,” advises the AK expert. If the damaging party is not liable, there is also the option of cancellation insurance as part of the legal protection. This pays in the amount of the insured sum for the pain and suffering compensation awarded.
Timely preparation is essential when the helicopter comes flying in. “Memberships in motorist clubs, the Alpine Club or Naturefriends offer protection under certain conditions,” says Wahl. They often already cover salvage costs.
If you want to be on the safe side, you have private accident insurance. In contrast to statutory accident insurance, private accident insurance also protects against the financial consequences of permanent disability in the event of leisure-time accidents.
“It should be noted that the benefits of travel insurance or credit cards are often not sufficient,” says the expert. The entitlement to benefits with these products only exists from a disability of 50 percent.
inquire about requirements
However, the credit card can help with travel cancellation insurance: “If you want to rely on the protection, you should ask about the requirements,” said Wahl. These can include whether you paid for your holiday with the card, who is also insured and whether it was used often enough.
The expert gives the all-clear for possible pandemic exclusion clauses: “Many travel insurers have expanded their products and also offer travel cancellation protection in the event of Covid disease and quarantine.”
Source: Nachrichten
