For those using ECVs - do you have insurance?

[Mazzy]

I will be using an ECV on hire from Walker Mobility for the first time ever this trip.

I'm wondering whether I need to take some insurance out just in case I 'bump' into someone and they decide to sue!

I have just spoken to my holiday insurance company (I am in the UK) but I'm not covered on that policy. We don't have any car hire insurance for the trip as we aren't hiring a car.

My holiday insurer suggested ringing a car insurance company to see if they could offer cover, but I thought I would ask on these boards first, to see what everyone else does, and whether it is necessary?

Do you bother with insurance at all? Am I being ridiculous just thinking about this? I would love to hear your thoughts!

 

[Nanajo1]

I was surprized that in all the times (5) I've rented an ECV I've never worried about insurance. My DH thinks I have never seen an insurance plan I haven't liked! LOL
I would e-mail Walkers and ask them what liabilty you might have and if they own insurance that covers you. I guess I thought my homeowner's would cover me but I'm not sure.
Please let us know what you find out and I'll try to get some info as well.

 

[mhopset]

That is an excellent question. One I have never thought about. I am with Nanajo1. I assumed my homeowners policy would take care of something like this. I am going to call my insurance company I will let you all know.

T.

 

[mhopset]

Ok folks her is the skinny:

According to Nationwide Insurance you are covered under your homeowners policy. They told me it was just like riding a bicycle.

Hope this helped.

T.

 

[Nanajo1]

I just talked with Bob at Walker's. He said he thought your home owner's would cover any claims. But Mazzy I don't know about international coverage. Bob said they rent to many UK folks and never had any situation where insurance came up.In all their years Walkers has never heard of a claim against a renter.

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with the others; our homeowners insurance covers DD and her wheelchair. But I also don't know about the international question.
I think it would be rare to have an accident with a scooter that would cause so much damage that anyone would sue. I think if it was a big problem, the places like Walker's would sell supplemental insurance just like the car rental places do.

 

[Mazzy]

Thanks everyone for your help.

I wouldn't think that my home insurance would cover me whilst in the US, but I will contact them and see what they say. It gives me confidence that Walker have never heard of anyone being sued, but I think I would feel better if I had some kind of insurance just in case.

Thanks again everyone for your time and effort in answering this, I'll let you know what I find out!