Road trips are a great way to create long-lasting memories. However, accidents or unexpected events could disrupt your plans or hurt your wallet. Whether it’s a flat tire, a car crash, or something more serious, having the right car insurance coverage is essential before hitting the road.
To find affordable car insurance options that adjust to your needs, call Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA) at 1-855-478-3705 or get a free car insurance quote online.
Read on to discover the risks of driving without the proper insurance, what kind of coverages could help road trip drivers, and tips before you get behind the wheel.
Risks of driving without the right travel car insurance
A road trip comes with different risks and challenges that you might not face while on your regular commute. For one, since you’ll cover longer distances, you’ll add more mileage while increasing the likelihood of a mechanical issue, a breakdown, a traffic accident, or facing a bad weather event.
Additionally, you may face other hazards such as wildlife crossings or poorly marked detours when traveling through rural or unfamiliar roads. While auto insurance can’t stop these events from happening, it may help deal with the aftermath of covered accidents during the trip and the financial costs that may arise.
Another thing for drivers to consider is whether their insurance policy covers them while they cross state lines. Some car insurance policies may have restrictions on what they cover in another state. You can contact your insurance company and review:
- If your current minimums and coverages will apply while you visit other states
- Whether you need to add another driver to your policy temporarily, in case you share driving duties with friends or family
- If there is a travel duration limit
Financial burden in the event of an accident
Getting into an accident is not only stressful, it can also be a big financial drain. Out-of-pocket costs can add up quickly, since you may have to pay for towing, repairs, medical bills, a rental car, etc.
Having coverage that extends beyond the required minimums can help offset these expenses after a covered accident or event. Without it, you have to face these costs on your own.
The benefits of insurance coverages for road trips
You can add various types of coverages to your auto insurance policy that may come in handy when an unexpected accident or event occurs while you’re on your road trip. Some of these coverages include:
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance coverage could provide critical support when common traffic incidents happen. Particularly when you’re on a road trip and may not have fast access to an auto repair shop, this coverage could make a big difference.
Roadside assistance includes services such as:
- Battery assistance
- Flat-tire change
- Roadside towing
- Fuel delivery
- Lockout assistance
Comprehensive and collision coverage
Comprehensive coverage may help pay for repairs or replacement of your vehicle after a non-collision event. For example:
- Bad weather events such as hail or floods
- You accidentally hit a crossing deer
- A wildfire damages your car
- Your car gets stolen or vandalized
Collision coverage, as its name implies, helps pay for repairs or replacement of your vehicle when a covered collision happens, even if you’re the driver at fault.
Rental reimbursement
If your car is being repaired or out of commission after a covered accident, this coverage helps pay for a rental vehicle, so your trip isn’t cut short.
What about rented or borrowed vehicles?
If you plan to borrow a friend’s car or rent a vehicle for the duration of the trip, you still need car insurance. Your insurance may not cover another driver, so it’s good to check the details on your policy or contact an agent to confirm whether it does.
Generally, car insurance covers the vehicle of the person listed on the policy. This means that even if your friends have their own car insurance policy, they typically won’t be covered by their policy while driving your car.
When it comes to rental vehicles, rental companies usually offer rental car insurance, which may cover damages you cause to another vehicle, as well as the rental vehicle, and your own injuries, depending on the coverages included.
If you already meet the liability insurance minimum in your state, your insurance may be able to cover damages to another vehicle during a covered rental car accident. However, this may not apply out of state, so it’s best to check your policy details.
If you're considering renting a car and want to see if you have enough coverage, or if you wish to review your personal auto insurance policy, you can call IIA at 1-855-478-3705.
What if you're driving to Mexico or internationally?
Your regular US auto insurance doesn’t cover you while you drive in Mexico. For this, you’ll need a tourist Mexican auto insurance that includes the liability minimum required by Mexican law.
Prepare for your road trip: Tips beyond auto insurance
Here are some tips that can help you avoid a stressful situation while on your road trip:
- Bring an emergency kit: Most driving emergency kits include jumper cables, flashlights, water, basic tools, and flares or traffic cones, as well as a first-aid kit.
- Check your vehicle before departure: Check the fluids, motor oil, engine, and tires. Topping off the coolant can prevent overheating. It may be helpful to test your batteries, as older batteries are more likely to die.
- Share your plans: Give someone you trust your route and planned stops. If you get stranded and have no way to communicate, this could help emergency responders locate you faster.
Travel and car insurance: Be prepared
Having the proper insurance can give you more peace of mind, so you can focus on driving and enjoying the scenery. Before a road trip, make sure your current policy covers you for the various situations outlined above.
If you’d like to review your car insurance policy or explore new, budget-friendly options, call IIA at 1-855-478-3705 or get a free auto insurance quote online today.