An autumn holiday checklist should cover more than what goes in your suitcase. Before you leave, check your travel plans, insurance, car and home. A few checks can help you avoid problems while you are away, whether you are taking a UK break or travelling abroad.

1. Check your booking and travel documents

Confirm your travel dates, accommodation address and departure times. If you are going abroad, check the entry rules for your destination, including passport and visa requirements. These rules can differ between countries.

Keep a copy of your booking details and important phone numbers somewhere you can reach them if your phone is lost or runs out of battery.

2. Read your travel insurance documents

If you are travelling abroad, arrange suitable travel insurance as soon as you book. Check that it covers everyone travelling, every destination, the full length of the trip and the activities you have planned. Tell your insurance broker about any medical conditions that need to be declared.

If you are staying in the UK, check whether your policy covers domestic trips and what conditions apply. For either type of holiday, read the policy wording for cancellation, delays, baggage limits and exclusions. Cover varies between policies and providers.

Save your policy number and the insurer’s emergency assistance number before you leave.

3. Check your health cover for trips abroad

If you have a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a valid UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), check whether you can use it where you are going. Each family member needs their own card.

A GHIC or EHIC does not replace travel insurance. For example, it does not cover private treatment or the cost of being flown back to the UK for medical reasons.

4. Get your car ready if you are driving

Check your tyres, lights, fluid levels and screenwash before a long journey. Autumn weather can bring rain, mist and darker journeys, so allow extra time and check the forecast.

Driving abroad? Check the rules for each country on your route. Your UK car insurance may provide only the minimum cover required there. Check your policy for theft or damage to your own car, and whether you need any extra documents. If you are hiring a car, read the hire company’s insurance terms.

5. Think about what you are taking

Make a list of valuable items such as phones, cameras or jewellery. Check the limits in your travel insurance and any cover you have for belongings away from home. Policies may have a separate limit for each item.

Keep receipts or other proof of ownership where you can find them if you need to make a claim.

6. Leave your home ready for autumn weather

Lock doors and windows, put away loose items in the garden and ask someone you trust to keep an eye on the property if you will be away for a while.

Check your home insurance documents for any rules about leaving the property unoccupied. If colder weather is forecast, think about how you will protect your pipes. Your policy may have specific requirements, so check these before you go.

Before you set off

Give yourself a final minute to check your keys, travel documents, medicines and insurance details. If your plans change or you are unsure whether an activity or item is covered, contact your insurance broker before you travel.

Planning an autumn break? One Call Insurance can help you review your insurance options, so you can choose cover that suits your plans.

Sources

• Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Foreign travel checklist.
• NHS, Get healthcare cover abroad with a UK GHIC or UK EHIC.
• GOV.UK, Vehicle insurance: Driving abroad.
• Association of British Insurers, Travel insurance and Stay safe in cold weather.