Summer is officially here, which means road trips, beach vacations, lake weekends, and long-awaited family getaways. Before you pack your bags and head out the door, take a few minutes to make sure your insurance has you covered — wherever the summer takes you.
1. Review Your Homeowner’s Policy Before You Leave
Your home is more vulnerable when it’s sitting empty. Most homeowner’s policies do cover theft and vandalism that occurs while you’re away, but there are a few things worth knowing:
- Some policies have vacancy clauses — if your home will be unoccupied for 30 to 60 days or more, certain coverages may be reduced or excluded. If you’re planning an extended trip, call your agent ahead of time.
- Make sure your coverage limits are adequate. It’s easy to accumulate belongings over time and forget to update your policy to reflect their current value.
- Consider a home security system if you don’t already have one. Many insurers offer discounts, and it reduces the risk of a claim in the first place.
Practical tip: pause your mail, set light timers, ask a neighbor to check in, and avoid posting your travel plans on social media until after you return.
2. Understand Your Auto Coverage for Road Trips
Your personal auto insurance generally follows you on road trips within the United States and often into Canada. But there are a few things to double-check:
- Rental cars: Your personal policy may extend to rentals, but coverage varies. If you’re renting a car, confirm with your agent whether you need the rental agency’s coverage — it can save you the extra daily cost.
- Roadside assistance: Does your policy include it? If not, your credit card may offer it — it’s worth knowing before you break down somewhere unfamiliar.
- Gap in coverage for peer-to-peer car sharing (like Turo): Personal auto policies typically don’t cover these vehicles. Ask your agent for guidance.
3. Watercraft and Recreational Vehicles
Summer often means boats, jet skis, ATVs, or renting equipment you don’t own. A key thing many people don’t realize: your homeowner’s policy may offer very limited — or no — coverage for watercraft and recreational vehicles once you’re on the water or trail.
- Small boats (under a certain horsepower) are sometimes covered under homeowner’s policies, but larger vessels typically require a separate watercraft or boat insurance policy.
- Rental watercraft: If you rent a boat or jet ski on vacation, check whether your credit card or a short-term policy covers liability and damage. Many rental companies offer their own coverage.
If you own watercraft or are considering a purchase this summer, give us a call — we can find you the right policy before you hit the water.
4. Consider Travel Insurance
For bigger vacations — especially international trips or non-refundable bookings — travel insurance is worth serious consideration. It can cover:
- Trip cancellation or interruption (illness, family emergency, weather events)
- Emergency medical coverage abroad (most U.S. health insurance plans offer very limited international coverage)
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Emergency evacuation
Travel insurance is typically purchased separately and is not part of your homeowner’s or auto policy. The cost is usually a small percentage of your total trip cost — a worthwhile trade for peace of mind.
Taking a trip this summer? We’d love to help you make sure all the right coverage is in place. Contact John Scott Insurance Agency before you go — so you can enjoy every moment of your vacation without worry.