The road trip you have been planning for is finally right around the corner. While you have been anxiously waiting to get out of town to visit family or sightsee, you may have forgotten to consider road trip car insurance. This is usually not one of the first things to cross one’s mind.
Even though car insurance may not be the most fun topic to think about, you must consider how it can help you prepare for the unexpected. Since you will be on the road for many hours, you will want to guarantee you and the vehicle you’re driving is covered. One accident could change your entire trip without proper preparation and coverage.
For the most part, if you already have an auto insurance policy, you shouldn’t have to worry too much. Your insurance will work out of state and even provide some coverage for you when you drive a rental car. To ease your mind and ensure you have the right amount of coverage for a road trip, you should reach out to a professional insurance agent.
What types of car insurance are offered for road trips?
While there is no specific type of car insurance made just for road trips, there are add-ons that you can make sure are included in your insurance policy that will help you ensure a safe and prepared trip.
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance is definitely something you want to look into adding if it is not already included. Having roadside assistance allows you to receive help 24/7. So, if you happen to break down or need your vehicle towed, this type of coverage will help with that. You would not want to get stranded in an unfamiliar area while on vacation.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage is also necessary, especially when you are traveling. This covers vandalism, theft, and weather-related damage. Knowing your car is safe no matter where you park will give you peace of mind.
Collision coverage
Collision coverage should already be included in your insurance policy, but it is wise to double-check. Without this coverage, you will not be compensated for any losses that occur if you are in an accident and cause damage.
Increasing your coverage
This may be beneficial as well. When you know that you will be on the road for quite some time, it is better to have more than enough coverage than not enough coverage.
How does car insurance work across state lines?
The car insurance you have in Michigan will follow you across state lines. Wherever your vehicle goes, your insurance goes too. However, you may want to ask your insurance agent to increase your coverage amount if you get into an accident in a state with a higher car insurance minimum.
In Michigan, the minimum is relatively high, so you shouldn’t run into many issues regarding coverage. It doesn’t hurt to check out the states’ insurance minimum that you will be traveling to or any states you pass through.
If your insurance policy does not increase its minimums to match other states’ minimums, this would be a time that you would want to increase that coverage. If your minimum coverage amount is $25,000, and in another state it is $50,000, that can be a significant difference.
What if someone else drives my car?
Often, family members or friends take turns driving on road trips. By doing this, you don’t have to make as many stops, which makes your trip more enjoyable. No one wants to drive for two days when they can cut that trip in half by splitting the driving time with someone else.
As long as the person you are allowing to drive your car has auto insurance, taking turns behind the wheel shouldn’t be an issue. Just as your coverage follows you, their coverage will follow them as well. You may want to find out what type of coverage they have, though, to determine whether you feel comfortable with them driving your car on the trip.
For family members who reside with you, you may wish to add them to your policy.
If your friend or family members do not have full coverage, asking them to purchase a r full coverage policy would be wise. If the unfortunate happens, and your car is in an accident, you want the most coverage possible. Paying out of pocket when you don’t need to would put a damper on your trip.
What coverage is offered for rental cars?
If you already have auto insurance, you are already meeting the minimum amount of liability coverage. However, if you want to be on the safe side and add more coverage, you can do that from the car rental company.
Most car rental companies offer the following coverage:
- Liability coverage
- Collision damage waiver
- Damage waiver
- Personal accident insurance
- Personal effects coverage
You may not need to purchase each of these types of coverage, as some may overlap with the coverage you already have through your insurance company. To determine which ones would benefit you the most and which would be a waste of your money, look over your policy or speak with your agent.
Prepare for new roads ahead with Frost & Remer
There are many coverage policy options available that can be helpful when planning a road trip. Getting you, your passengers, and your vehicle from point A to point B safely is essential.
We know that a trip can be exciting, and you don’t want to waste your time worrying and about what if-s. That is why we are here to answer any questions, help you determine what you may need, and ease your mind.
Contact Frost and Remer to hear more about our auto insurance policies, discounts, and other services that we offer.
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