Well there you go. I may well sign up for one in six years time!!

LB,
No offence taken, although it did look like you were suggesting that anyone who felt they needed insurance in Sahara should not go,but choose saga instead, Im not in my zimmer frame yet,(now thats a thought, 4x4 zimmerframe?) I started this topic off with a simple inquiry about insurance, something that Chris Scott felt was important to discuss, can you be honest and tell me that if there was an affordable insurance that would mount a Rescue should it be needed you would not go for it? , yes its last resort and and I would think only be used for a major Illness, accident with serious injury, or for that serious breakdown that leaves you stranded alone in middle of sand sea.
I was asked by the insurance company Im in coms with was I carrying safety equipment and what form of communication did i have, they are waiting to hear from underwriters, also I believe my sence of humour is among the Best, good luck, D,
ps
I wonder how many people are interested in such insurance cover, 0r zimmer frames

It looks like a good jaunt - no more worrying about dodgy diffs (just dodgy hips!)

Nice one Richard K, we could start a new club for the future, "Saharan 4x4 zimmer frame owners Club" bet Chris S would join, can you picture the zimmer frame? water jerry can on each side, not to mention the Kinnetic Rope!!!

Sahara Dave -- If Saga is a step too far there are organised, own-vehicle expeditions which probably offer far better peace of mind than any sat phone rescue.

It's a moot point -- because as Chris and others have pointed out, the rescue policy doesn't exist nor do the rescue teams -- but the idea of vast resources being spent to rescue tourists, who have over-stretched themselves on their adventure holiday, is a little uncomfortable when many of the locals are going hungry
as we type.

Australian and North American deserts are better suited to safety-netted adventure. They have the infrastructure to mount rescues. The presumption that money and a European passport can somehow insulate you from your environment is maybe the wrong attitude to take into some areas of the Sahara.

Standard travel insurance covers medivacs (in theory) and costs about £30.

edit: ...the more I read about that Saga trip...... I wonder if they take under 40's ?

[This message has been edited by Richard K (edited 09 October 2005).]

I remember doing this search before setting off.
Virtually all of the "standard" travel insurances had a clause in the small print saying that it was void if you drove. Some of them wouldn't cover malaria either (a bit off topic)

It's a shame that insurance underwriters don't reward a safe return home with a refund, like some event organisers who refund your helivac deposit if you don't use it.

The Visa cover seems to start when you start paying for your trip (hotel, fuel, ferry) and runs for 3 months.
On top of that, family seems to be a more efficient means of getting anything organised.

All it takes is one foolhardy individual to call in a rescue before exploring all the other possible solutions (or because he didn't take a spare clutch plate/spring/whatever) and the insurers reckon everyone will be as irresponsible.

Just musing...

Hi Guys, I see your point, If at the end of the day there is no such cover then so be it! Dont get me wrong, I,ll take my risks with the rest of you, trust in my vehicle, spares and ability to fix it, after all I was ONLY asking. and yet Im still waiting to hear from the insurrance that said They would mount a Rescue, the small print might be interesting, and yes we all know familys can do more, Come what may, Im going across the Sahara!!! dont forget I have read Chris S book, cover to cover.. what more do i need?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Luke:
[B]I remember doing this search before setting off.
Virtually all of the "standard" travel insurances had a clause in the small print saying that it was void if you drove. Some of them wouldn't cover malaria either (a bit off topic)

Luke, you just made me go blind sifting through small print!

Standard travel insurance should pay for a medevac home or treatment if, say, you fell ill with meningitis, or were seriously injured by an attacker. (look on the bright side, eh?). At £30 or so its a fair hedge against potentially whopping bills.

You're probably right, but I'm not 100% certain about self-driven vehicle accidents. I can't find any specific *medical* exclusion on the duinsure policy. You'd think off-piste 4x4 would be considered a declarable hazardous activity, but it's not listed as such -- motos, camels and ostriches (!) are. Liability is specifically excluded for all drivers, but I can't spot medical. Passengers would presumably be covered in any case.

http://www.duinsure.com have a special extension for expensive items carried in your 'safari truck' or campervan. Whether it's worth it or not I don't know.
I've made 3 separate property claims with various companies over the years and never got a penny. They just bored me into giving up.

I got my personal accident insurance from Roll Cage, 3-Point Harness & Co. Valid everywhere, no premiums and no excess!! (£150 on ebay)


[This message has been edited by Richard K (edited 10 October 2005).]

Does seem general consensus that even if there was such cover, it cant be relied on, so its as we were, "vehicle preparation paramount!" and put faith in your sand mat

Having read all of the above, I have to say that I am travelling with Trailmasters next April and the reason for this was simply the support I will receive during an accompanied tour. We should not get lost due to the many years this company has provided accompanied Saharah trips and also in the unlikely event I breakdown there is a support system in place to get me to a garage or somewhere to help get my vehicle fixed. Such trips are not everyones cup of tea I know but for those of us just starting out on our adventures, it is very useful.

Robin

Robin's right in a way, it's certainly a way of getting the hang of desert driving while taking away some of the risks.

It just grates me to pay someone for the privilege of driving my own car.
The safest way to travel independantly is to depend...on others. Travelling in convoy with other, like minded people will probably lead to the quickest resolution of most problems that might arise.

The surprisingly tricky bit is find friends that really are; not those that you end up wanting to strangle after x days without external contact.
The best ones we came across were those we met on the road.

I'm still particularly grateful for that chees sandwich just after we were robbed in Ghana... (Not a SAR I know but a welcome comfort)

All donations to this topic are appreciated, does anybody know of situation where rescue, was required? and what was the outcome? hardened Saharans like Chris S might know. Time somebody set up a rescue business, Flying Doctor comes to mind, obviously reason for traveling in multi vehicle convoys, and good old team work, maybe need to take out insurance against the company who does not pay out............... Dave

I dont even know why we're still flogging the dead insurance/rescue horse - several have correctly summed it up, most recently Luke: "The safest way to travel independently is to depend...on others..." If you're solo, face the consequences when they arise, as I used to do.

As tourists we arrive and travel better equipped to help ourselves than many locals who perish, literally, by the truckload every year.
RFDS planes need landing strips and anyway have become more of an outstation bus service. And even with the RFDS (who are doctors, not International Rescue) I would guess more outback tourists perish in Au than in the Sahara - because more go out ill-prepared/equipped, uneducated, solo and/or at the wrong time of year.

Avoid those things and all will be well.

Ch

Thanks Chris,
I think that sums it up very well, be well equiped and preparation, it does actually make it more of an adventure, so I for one am finished with this subject,

GOOD LUCK to you ALL..... Dave
ps, Chris do you fancy (later) 4x4 zimmer frame with Kinetic recovery rope?