RV FEATURE

The ordeal of a vehicle accident is probably the most likely situation some travellers will have to face .

Warren had some specific advice that he feels travellers need to be made aware of .

“ In my opinion , your insurance for your car and caravan should be an agreed value policy ,” Warren said . “ Always check your values to make sure they are representative of the actual replacement costs . Take particular note of all extras on your policy . We were eight days over our new-for-old replacement on the car . The insurance company would not replace the car and all the extras fitted . It was at that point we found out that we were way underinsured for the car .”

Warren and Leigh also had issues with the repairs to their caravan . It was repaired but it turned out that it should never have been . Warren noticed that the drawbar was bent and that hadn ’ t been picked up by the assessor .

“ We towed the ‘ repaired ’ van on a 600km round trip and it was one of the most frightening experiences of my life !” Warren said .

“ Always request that the insurance assessor views the caravan in real life and reviews the initial accident reports and any photos taken at the site . Do not rely on photos from repairers and phone assessors from the insurance company only .”

Having all your documentation available will also avoid unnecessary hardship .

“ Have your documents , i . e . insurance policies , rego forms and your wills in one place and that your close contacts know where copies are . It ’ s fine to have them in a secure place but they must be accessible .”

Warren ’ s final piece of advice is to be prepared for the ‘ ambulance chasers ’ bombarding you with unsolicited phone calls .

“ Severe accidents will attract solicitors and their contractors . Research or have someone research the company trying to get your business . I received phone calls from the ‘ chasers ’ as soon as I was discharged from ICU . Your state ’ s insurance regulatory authority will help you through the minefield .”

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