INSURANCE | 07.12.2024
Enjoy a peaceful and safe summer
Summer’s already here. For many of us, it's the happiest time of the year, as we enjoy vacations, more outdoor recreation, and trips to nearby or exotic destinations. It's true that our routines change, but have you stopped to think about the setbacks that can occur? We'll show you how to make this season a peaceful one, with insurance playing an important role.
By now, you probably have your summer plans all sorted out. Your list probably includes plans for recreation, museum visits, and even reservations for that trip you've been looking forward to for months. In your mind, you're probably envisioning what you want to do, see, photograph, and eat to make the most of your time.
We don't want to be party poopers, but unexpected events and mishaps can also come up, potentially ruining your chance to fully enjoy the happiest time of the year. But don't worry, because we'll now explain how insurance can help make your summer more peaceful.
Life and health insurance
No one wants it to happen, but can you imagine if your life or health took a turn for the worse this summer? More than 21 million people live a better life because they have a life risk insurance policy in Spain that provides financial security for their loved ones in the event of premature death or disability. So, if you haven't done it in recent months, now is the time to check whether your policy provides what you need for your family's peace of mind. Knowing that they’re protected will help you unwind and relax during your time off.
This is the time of year when we do some of the most enjoyable activities, but also when we run a higher risk of getting hurt, getting sick, getting sunburned, and more. In case you didn't know, insurance companies take care of the health of 12.4 million people in Spain, which is one in every four residents. These policies also usually include travel assistance. Check to see if this is the case, especially if you’re planning to go abroad – particularly to non-EU countries. If it is included, no matter what happens to you or your loved ones, you'll have the healthcare assistance you need, wherever you are.
Auto and travel insurance
If you've chosen a nearby destination for your summer vacation, chances are you'll be using your vehicle for transportation. You won't be alone: according to the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT), last summer there were more than 95 million long-distance trips on Spanish roads. More movement means more accidents, and this is where auto insurance plays an essential role, in addition to being mandatory. Not only in the event of an accident, but also if your car breaks down or is stolen.
But we don't always stay close to home: out of the 185.9 million trips made by Spaniards in 2023, 10.4% were abroad, as revealed by the National Institute of Statistics. In fact, between January and March 2024, more than 285 million tourists worldwide took international trips, according to UN Tourism. If you're going to use your passport, it's worth taking a look at travel insurance coverage based on where you're going and what activities you'll be doing (such as cruises, water sports, or adventure activities).
Homeowner’s insurance
Another major concern when we go out or on vacation is whether everything will be as we left it when we return, especially at home. The Spanish Ministry of the Interior reports that every summer there are about 25,000 robberies in Spanish homes, about 12 crimes every hour.
We can give you some tips if you're going to be away for an extended period of time, such as leaving a light on, leaving a spare key with someone to make it look like someone’s home, and not closing the blinds completely… but if none of these precautions work and your home is burglarized, homeowners insurance will be your greatest ally.
Without being alarmist, many other things can happen, such as a flood, a leak, a power outage, and so on. Before you travel, make sure you have the right coverage so you can head out with peace of mind.
These are some of the insurance policies available so that your only concern this summer is enjoying yourself. Life, health, auto, travel, homeowner's… at MAPFRE we're here to help you with any setback you may experience. Don't leave anything to chance and enjoy safely!
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