- A Hong Kong woman tragically died in a car crash in Hokkaido, Japan.
- Insurance representatives are urging travelers to check their insurance coverage for traffic accidents before embarking on trips.
- Lau stated that most rental car companies in Japan provide only basic liability insurance and require travelers to pay a deductible for vehicle and property damage.
- The deductible means paying out of pocket, but travel insurance often covers it through rental vehicle deductible coverage, for example, the first HK$7,000 of vehicle damage.
- Lau urged travelers to send a copy of their insurance policy to someone they trust in Hong Kong before their trip, and to notify local police of all traffic accidents and take photos of the scene.
- Ringo Lee, honorary life president of the Hong Kong, China Automobile Association, emphasized that some Hongkongers rely too much on GPS and should familiarize themselves with local traffic rules, especially signs like no entry, one-way roads, and stop.
- Lee also advised travelers to prepare ahead by knowing journey duration and where to take breaks.
A 53-year-old Hong Kong woman tragically lost her life in a car crash in Hokkaido, Japan, as part of a worrying trend involving Hong Kong tourists.1
The accident occurred during a self-drive tour, leading Selina Lau, chief executive of the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers, to remind travelers to check their insurance policies.
"The deductible means that you have to pay out of your own pocket. That’s why you need to check whether the travel insurance you purchased in Hong Kong covers this," Lau stated.345
The recent incidents, including a train-car collision that injured five Chinese tourists, have raised alarms about the safety of driving abroad. Lau emphasized that most rental car companies in Japan offer only basic liability insurance, often requiring travelers to cover a deductible for damages.
Ringo Lee, honorary life president of the Hong Kong, China Automobile Association, noted that many Hongkongers may not be accustomed to long-distance driving and often rely heavily on GPS, which can lead to distractions.89
He advised, "When we rent a car, we should at least take out a map and study their traffic rules and signs."
Travelers are also encouraged to report all accidents to local police, document the scene, and share their insurance details with someone back home for assistance in emergencies.
The circumstances surrounding the fatal crash remain unclear, but the incidents highlight the need for thorough preparation when driving in unfamiliar territories.
“Selina Lau of the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers advised checking if policies cover deductibles like the first HK$7,000 of vehicle damage. Ringo Lee of the Automobile Association warned that over-reliance on GPS and unfamiliar roads increase crash risks for overseas drivers.”
