5 Ways to Make Your Auto Policy Ready for the Open Road
Spring has arrived in Burlington! The flowers are blooming, the air is getting warmer, and the open road is calling. Before you load up the car with snacks and your favorite playlist, there is one crucial step many people forget: a quick review of your auto insurance policy.
A smooth trip requires more than just a full tank of gas—it requires a solid plan. Here are five ways to review and adjust your auto policy to help provide the protection you need, no matter where your spring adventure takes you.
Confirm Your Coverage Area and Limits
Where are you going, and is your current policy valid there?
- Geographic Scope: Most standard U.S. policies cover you across all 50 states and often Canada. However, if you are venturing into Mexico, you will likely need to purchase a separate, temporary Mexican auto insurance policy.
- Liability Limits: Road trips often involve driving long distances in unfamiliar areas. This is a great time to review your liability limits. If your current limits are low, increasing them provides a better layer of protection for your assets in the event of a serious accident far from home.
Check Your Roadside Assistance
Nothing derails a trip faster than a flat tire or a dead battery in a rural area. While you might have roadside assistance through an auto club, you may already have this coverage through your auto policy.
- Dual Coverage Check: Review your policy for towing, tire changes, fuel delivery, or lockout services.
- Service Distance: Check the maximum towing distance. A short limit might not be enough to get you to a repair shop if you are traveling through remote parts of New England.
Review Comprehensive and Collision Deductibles
On a long road trip, the risk of a collision or a comprehensive claim (like hail damage or hitting a deer) can increase.
- Deductible vs. Premium: Consider if a lower deductible—meaning you pay less out of pocket during a claim—is worth a small adjustment in your premium for the months you’ll be traveling heavily.
- Total Loss Value: Confirm your vehicle’s value is accurate so you are properly compensated if a total loss occurs hundreds of miles from home.
Understand Rental Car Coverage
What happens if your car is sidelined and you need a rental to finish your vacation?
- Rental Reimbursement: This optional coverage pays for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident. Check your daily limit (e.g., $30 or $50 a day) to see if it covers the type of vehicle you’d need.
- Rental Agency Waivers: If you have Collision and Comprehensive coverage on your personal policy, it generally extends to a rental car. A quick review of your documents helps you decide whether to skip the expensive agency waivers.
Update Your Contact Info and Proof of Insurance
In an emergency, your insurer needs to be able to reach you quickly.
- Personal Information: Double-check that your phone number and email are current.
- Proof of Insurance: Keep a physical insurance card in your glove compartment and save a digital copy to your phone. Many states have strict requirements for immediate proof of coverage.
By taking a little time to review these points, you can swap potential stress for confidence. Confirming your policy strength is the last—and most important—step before you hit the highway!