School is out, the days are longer, and millions of Americans are gearing up for summer road trips. Before you load up the car and point it toward the horizon, it’s worth taking a few minutes to understand what your auto insurance covers — and where the gaps might be.
Does Your Current Coverage Travel With You?
Good news: your personal auto insurance generally follows you and your vehicle wherever you drive within the United States. That means the liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage on your policy applies whether you’re driving across town or across the country.
However, there are important details to keep in mind, especially if your trip involves driving into Canada or Mexico. Canadian roads generally accept U.S. auto insurance, but Mexico does not. If you plan to drive into Mexico, you will need to purchase a separate Mexican auto insurance policy before you cross the border.
Rental Cars on Your Road Trip
If your road trip involves flying to a destination and renting a car, your personal auto insurance may extend to rental vehicles for personal use — but it varies by policy. Review your coverage or call your agent before declining the rental company’s insurance. Credit cards sometimes offer rental car coverage as a benefit as well, though the terms differ widely.
Roadside Assistance: Worth Adding if You Don’t Have It
Breaking down on a highway far from home is never fun. Roadside assistance coverage is an affordable add-on to most auto policies and can cover towing, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout services. If you don’t currently have this coverage, ask your agent about adding it before your trip.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Unfortunately, not every driver on the road carries insurance. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re involved in an accident caused by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your costs. This is particularly valuable on long trips where you may be driving through areas with high rates of uninsured drivers.
Before You Go
A quick conversation with your insurance agent before a big trip can give you peace of mind. Review your liability limits, confirm your coverage for rental cars if needed, and make sure your contact information and emergency numbers are saved in your phone.
Ready to hit the road with confidence? Contact Colson & Dickie Insurance Services at (804) 217-8666 or visit our website to explore auto insurance options that can help keep you covered this summer and all year long.
