CAA Saskatchewan Fall 2016 | Page 42

A Field Guide to snowbirdinG

BEHIND THE WHEEL

Consider these rules of the road before starting your engines
BEFORE YOU GO Check expiry dates . Ensure your driver ’ s licence and PlatesPLUS policy don ’ t expire while you ’ re out of the country . Visit PlatesPLUS . ca to renew your licence and vehicle registration . At PlatesPLUS . ca , you can also find information about your package policy and how to contact CAA Insurance .
Mind your membership . Make sure your CAA membership is valid and that you have the correct membership level .
Keep your car alive . Use a battery tender — a device that will maintain your battery ’ s charge while the vehicle is inactive . Get one at Regina Battery Depot or online at caask . ca / shop
ON THE ROAD Driving abroad ? Get an International Driving Permit ( IDP ), which is valid in
more than 150 countries . It provides an extra piece of photo ID , as well as a translation of your valid Canadian driver ’ s licence into 10 languages . Visit a CAA Store to apply in person or print an application online and mail it in : caask . ca / IDP
Rent a car . Be sure to ask your CAA Travel or Insurance consultant for details about car rental insurance in Canada and the U . S .
TRAVEL WITH CAA Always carry your CAA card . Your card covers you anywhere in Canada and U . S .
But did you know you can also receive roadside assistance in other countries around the world with your CAA membership ? Call CAA at 1-800-222-4357 if you need emergency road service in Canada , the U . S . or elsewhere .
Additional coverage . CAA membership includes trip interruption and vehicle return benefits — coverage of expenses for car rental or meals and lodging — if you ’ re in a collision 160 km or more from home .. For more details , visit caask . ca / membership-types

protect your nest

A CheCkLIsT To heLp keep your home sAfe And seCure whILe you ’ re AwAy
Lock all doors and windows before you leave .
Turn off water supply to your home to prevent frozen pipes .
Install and schedule motion-sensor
lighting to make your home look lived in .
unplug all electric appliances , heaters and accessories .
nothing screams “ empty house ” like a pile of
mail on your stoop . have someone pick up your mail or suspend your mail service through Canada post .
Ask a friend or family member to check your home regularly to deter break-ins and catch
any repair issues . “ If you ’ re away from home during the regular heating season ( winter ), your insurance policy may require you to have someone check on your home on a daily basis . Before you leave , talk to
your broker about what ’ s required while you ’ re away ,” says Terry macdonald , CAA saskatchewan ’ s vice president of insurance services .
Arrange for someone to take care of the land-
scaping or snow removal .
resist the urge to update your vacation status on social media : potential prowlers often cruise facebook and Twitter to locate empty homes .
42 fall 2016
CAA SaSKaTCHEWaN