As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, many families and individuals begin planning their summer road trips. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or across state lines to visit family, it’s essential to make sure your auto insurance is ready to travel with you.
Before you hit the open road, here are a few key considerations to ensure your coverage meets your needs—and avoids any surprises along the way.
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Review Your Current Auto Policy
Start with the basics: what does your policy cover? Most standard auto insurance policies include:
- Liability coverage – for bodily injury and property damage to others.
- Collision coverage – for damage to your car in an accident.
- Comprehensive coverage – for theft, vandalism, or weather-related damage.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage – in case you’re hit by a driver with inadequate insurance.
Make sure your limits are sufficient, especially if you’re traveling to states with different minimum insurance requirements.
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Consider Roadside Assistance Coverage
Summer travel often means long stretches on highways or unfamiliar roads. If your vehicle breaks down, a flat tire or dead battery could derail your trip. Roadside assistance coverage can help with:
- Towing
- Jump starts
- Flat tire changes
- Lockout assistance
- Fuel delivery
If your current policy doesn’t include this feature, ask your agent about adding it—it’s usually a low-cost upgrade with big potential benefits.
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Rental Car Coverage
Will your trip involve renting a car? Make sure you know whether your personal auto insurance extends to rental vehicles. In many cases, your existing coverage may apply, but it’s important to confirm the details. If not, purchasing coverage through the rental company might be necessary.
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Traveling Out of State or into Canada
Planning to cross state lines—or even travel into Canada? U.S. auto insurance typically extends across state borders and into Canada, but it’s smart to verify your coverage before you go. Be aware that driving into Mexico generally requires separate insurance, which can often be arranged through a specialized provider.
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Double Check for Teen or Occasional Drivers
If your summer road trip includes letting a teen or occasional driver take the wheel, check your policy to make sure they’re covered. Some policies require listed drivers to be explicitly named, especially if they’re under a certain age or live in a different household.
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Inventory Your Vehicle
Summer road trips often mean loading your car with extra gear—luggage, electronics, camping supplies, and more. While your auto insurance covers the vehicle itself, personal belongings may fall under your homeowners or renters insurance. It’s a good idea to understand what’s protected and what isn’t in case of theft or loss.
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Save Your Agent’s Contact Info
No one plans for an accident or breakdown, but it’s smart to be prepared. Save your insurance agent’s contact information in your phone and carry a physical copy in your glove compartment along with your policy documents. Knowing who to call can make all the difference in a stressful situation.
Summer road trips are all about freedom, fun, and making memories. A quick review of your auto insurance can offer peace of mind and help ensure the only surprises on your trip are good ones.
Need help reviewing your policy or making updates? Reach out to our team here at John Scott Insurance Agency and we will make sure you’re covered, wherever the road takes you.
Contact us today for a policy review before your summer getaway!