Does the idea of hitting the road put a smile on your face? Road trips are undoubtedly one of America’s favorite pastimes, with millions of people choosing to drive over other forms of transportation for vacations every year. Whether you are headed to a family reunion or driving to the coast for some rest and relaxation, don’t pack your bags until you have reviewed your insurance coverage. What works for your day-to-day needs may not provide the same level of protection on the road. Continue reading to learn how to find the best car insurance for your next road trip.
Alternating Drivers? Make Sure You’re Covered.
Unless you plan to go solo, chances are you will be alternating driving duties with at least one other driver on your trip. If it is a spouse on the same insurance policy, there is probably little to worry about. If you are traveling with friends, however, things can get tricky. According to Bankrate, your vehicle will probably be covered when used by another driver in a collision. However, you could be held liable if another person is injured in a collision. If the limits on your policy are not enough to cover the damages, your friend’s insurance may serve as supplemental coverage. To minimize confusion, make sure each person who drives your vehicle has insurance. Then, contact your insurance company to find out your risk exposures – especially if you plan to travel out of state.
Prepare for Emergencies
What would you do in the event of an emergency on your road trip? Do you know how to change a flat? Will you always be close to a gas station? What happens if your car is totaled in an accident and you are suddenly without transportation? Before you start off on your next adventure, make sure your policy includes coverage for roadside assistance. When you find yourself in a bind, your insurance could help pay for towing costs, as well as the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. Whether you need a jump start on a dead battery, a locksmith to let you in your car, or your key breaks off in the ignition; your insurance can help you be prepared for nearly any emergency. It can even provide trip interruption coverage that pays for lodging and meals if you are stranded more than 100 miles from home.
Know Your Limits
Far too many people purchase car insurance without fully understanding the limits on their coverage. At the very least, do not leave home until you know how much you are covered for collision and comprehensive damages, as well as liability. You do not want to wait until you are responsible for a multi-car pile-up to find out your property damage and bodily injury liability limits are barely enough to cover the vehicle repairs and medical bills for one person.
It is also helpful to know whether you are protected against other drivers. If you were the victim in a hit-and-run, you cannot rely on the perpetrator’s insurance to repair your vehicle or cover your personal medical bills. Unless the other driver is caught, you would need to rely on uninsured or underinsured motorist protection on your own policy to help cover the costs.
Are You Traveling to Canada?
If you’re planning a trip to Canada, make sure you don’t leave home without your special proof of insurance card, sometimes referred to as a “Canada card.” This card is similar to the proof of insurance you are required to have while driving in the states but is issued specifically for travel in Canada. So if you’re planning a fishing trip or just a road trip around the Great Lakes, be sure to call Thiel Insurance Group, LLC for details.