Road trips can be a lot of fun, but they can also lead to some unexpected expenses. One of the most common is car insurance. There are many misconceptions about what you need to know about car insurance on a road trip, so we have compiled all the essentials that you need to know regarding rental car insurance.
Types of Car Insurance for a Road Trip
You should be OK for your vacation if you have well-rounded vehicle insurance coverage. If you’re not sure, here are some essential coverages for a safe and enjoyable road trip:
Roadside Assistance
Before you hit the road, you’ll want to double-check that you have this coverage. All coverage at a company like Say Insurance includes Roadside Assistance. If you’re not with Say, be sure you have this coverage and that you can seek help or a tow if necessary. Your automobile and pocketbook will thank you if you ever need to utilize this coverage.
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
UMPD is a term that refers to property damage caused by an uninsured driver. UMPD assists in the payment of any damages to your vehicle that arise as a result of an accident caused by an uninsured motorist. Even though most people in your region have insurance, it’s not a guarantee while you’re traveling.
You’ll be seeing new regions and encountering different drivers, so this added security will keep your automobile safe during your journey.
Comprehensive Coverage
This coverage will safeguard your vehicle from vandalism, theft, and even natural disasters. This coverage will let you relax while you move about and park your car in new areas.
How Car Insurance Works Across State Lines
No matter where your travels take you across the country, your vehicle insurance should keep you protected. Traveling to other countries, such as Canada or Mexico, may, nevertheless, influence your coverage. Most insurance policies are valid in Canada but not in Mexico. If you’re planning a road trip to either location or another nation, we recommend calling your vehicle insurance provider to discuss your options.
Advantages of Rental Car Insurance
Control Your Auto-Insurance Cost
The first advantage of rental car insurance is the ability to control your auto insurance cost. You can take on responsibility for additional coverage or decline certain coverages that you may not feel necessary. Rental companies provide different levels of protection, which can be discussed with an agent before renting a vehicle – this will also allow you to compare the costs of various policies.
Avoid Paying Exorbitant Rent at the Rental Counter
Car rental prices can skyrocket when you walk up to the counter. To avoid paying a fortune, try using an online aggregator like Kayak or Expedia. On both these sites, you can compare and contrast all of your car rental options without having to set foot in the building! This way, you will know what price range you should be looking for, and you will have a better idea of what to expect.
Zero Deductible
Many people are under the impression that they can get their car insurance to cover a long road trip without any deductible. This is not true! You will need to have some premium, known as a deductible, for your policy to be valid and protect you against accidents while driving on this type of trip. The lowest possible amount for this deductible is $250.
Drive Confidently
Car insurance is a vital component of any road trip, and it’s essential to consider your needs before you hit the open highway. From your destination state’s laws to what will happen if you’re in an accident along the way, this guide should help answer some questions that might come up as you plan your next big vacation.
More Affordable Than The Car Rental Company’s Offer
The car rental companies are going to offer you coverage and then charge you for it. So, they’re pricing their insurance rates just as high as possible to get the most of your money. And with all that is involved with renting a vehicle today (in addition to the $35 per day fee), these additional expenses can hurt.
The Bottom Line
If you’re planning a long road trip, it’s essential to be aware of the car insurance implications. In most states, drivers are required by law to have liability coverage and, in some cases, collision/comprehensive coverage. You’ll want to ensure that your auto policy covers all these requirements before setting out on any cross-country.
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