There’s a lot to prepare for when going on a road trip, like logistics, food, gas and finding the right driving playlist. One factor that’s often overlooked is car insurance coverage. Knowing what is and isn’t covered by your auto insurance will make your life a lot easier if you encounter issues while traveling. While it’s difficult to prepare for the unexpected, here’s what you should evaluate about your car insurance before you hit the road.
Car Insurance While Traveling
Taking the time to review your auto insurance policy and understand the coverage you have is an important step in preparing for a road trip. Accidents aren’t the only thing that can happen on a long road trip, though. From roadside assistance to uninsured motorist coverage, there are some things to keep in mind to make sure your coverage is up to par heading into a long road trip.
If You’re Taking Your Own Car
If you’re taking your car to travel to another state, you’ll want to make sure you understand who’s covered (if you’re not always driving) and what happens if you get into an accident in another state. You should take the time to understand the types of coverage in your policy, from collision to comprehensive, in addition to checking if you have roadside assistance coverage.
If Someone Else is Driving Your Car
If your friend is driving your car and gets in an accident, your policy will be the main source of coverage for everyone involved. Once your policy is exhausted, your friend’s policy would likely be used next. Any damage caused to another car should be covered by your property damage liability insurance.
If You’re Renting a Car
If you’re renting a car for your road trip and have car insurance, your policy should cover you for the rental. You shouldn’t have to notify your insurer, however it’s smart to make sure you understand your policy’s rental car coverage. The coverage applies to any damage you may cause to the rental car, as well as liability for damage or injuries to others. If you don’t have your own car insurance policy, you’ll have to have some form of rental car insurance which you can purchase through the rental car company.
If You’re Driving to Mexico
If you drive to Mexico, your American car insurance is no longer valid and you’ll need to purchase Mexico car insurance. It’s illegal to drive in Mexico without car insurance, and you will serve time in jail. Fortunately, purchasing car insurance in Mexico isn’t difficult.
If You’re Driving to Canada
Unlike Mexico, your car insurance will likely still be valid if you drive to Canada. However, it is suggested to get a special car insurance card, known as a Motor Vehicle Liability Card, from your car insurance carrier prior to your trip.
Road Trip Tips to Survive a Long Drive
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of traveling. However, driving a long way requires a lot of endurance, especially for the driver. It’s important to remember that your first priority should be keeping you and your passengers safe on the road. Here are some important road trip tips to make sure you and your loved ones get to your destination safely:
- Get plenty of sleep before your drive: Plan a route that allows you to stay overnight in hotels, rental properties or with friends and family. This will ensure you get a restful night’s sleep before hitting the road each day.
- Bring healthy snacks for energy: Dried fruit, nuts and protein or granola bars are all easy to travel with, non-perishable and can provide a boost of energy.
- Stay hydrated: Traveling with a reusable water bottle makes it easy to stay hydrated, even while spending lots of time in the car.
- Plan rest stops: Look at your route ahead of time to know where you can stop to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat or fill up on gas. You can even try and stop in areas with scenic views or fun activities to make the most of your trip.
Keep Your Loved Ones Safe on Your Next Road Trip: Secure Auto Insurance with SelectQuote
Accidents happen when you least expect them, but having the right car insurance can protect you from any financial burdens should you be responsible for covering repairs, damage, medical bills, lost wages, legal fees and more. At SelectQuote, we’ll learn more about your car and your situation, ensuring you have an auto insurance policy that is right for you at a price that works within your budget.
