You made it through the busy back to school weeks. Now it’s Labor Day weekend - time to take a break for one last summer road trip. Unfortunately, accidents don’t always take a break, and the last thing you need is more work on your plate! So be sure you give your auto insurance policy a check up before you go. Here’s 3 things to look at to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip:
Insurance follows the car, not the driver. This means that most (but not all) policies will cover your family friend who plans to share the driving so you can relax and enjoy the scenery! But most policies exclude people who might drive your car frequently, including members of your household. You’ll need to list your spouse, kids and other roomies on your policy if you want them covered.
Most (but not all) policies pay for tow service in the event of an accident. But many have limits on how many miles they’ll tow you. So make sure your policy will pay to get your car where it needs to go if you’re miles from civilization. Some policies also have designated service areas for roadside service. When you leave town, you could be leaving your service area – and risking a less-than-pleasant tow bill.
If you chose to add rental coverage when you purchased your policy, we have great news! Even if an accident wasn’t your fault, your insurance company will most likely pay for your car rental until a liability decision is made. So you won’t be stuck paying out-of-pocket until someone else’s company pays your claim. But you do have limits. Make sure you know how much your policy will pay per day and per accident.
One more thing to keep an eye on: the extra fees a car rental company may charge you for driving long distances, dropping off at another location, or upgrading to a larger vehicle. (That could mean a few less souvenirs for your kiddos.)
If you travel to a state with higher minimum insurance requirements than you have, your coverage will increase as soon as you cross the state line! (Note: not actually a recommended way to plan your route.)
It’s important to travel smart and be prepared. If you’re unsure whether your insurance is sufficient, you can always call the helpful, friendly agents at Mylo! We look forward to helping you out, even if you just want advice.
Or look around our site to learn more about Mylo and compare instant online quotes!