1. Take your vehicle for service
Changing the oil, spinning the tires, and replacing the brake pads are all great ideas before your big ride. Tell the mechanic about your road trip plans and approximate how many miles you plan to have in your car. They may be able to identify potential issues before leaving to avoid a problem on the road.
2. Review your auto insurance policy
It’s a good idea to check what your car insurance covers before you set out. Things like breakdown service and car rental coverage may be important to see if they are on your policy.
You may want to consider our Personal Car Plus Endorsement that includes coverage if your car breaks down more than 100 miles from your home for things like lodging and overnight meals. Even if you’re not more than 100 miles from home, you may also pay for the cost of getting to your destination by other means, whether it’s a rental car or public transportation. It’s also a good idea to keep the Bolder Insurance Agency’s phone number in your phone along with any applicable after-hours claim numbers.
3. Check the weather at home and your destination
In the days leading up to your flight, you’ll likely keep an eye on the weather forecast for your destination and route. However, it is also a good idea to check the upcoming weather for your home.
The last thing you want is to come home and find that a tree has fallen on your house, or your basement has been flooded. Find out what the forecast says and have a neighbor check your house once a day, especially if the weather is bad. Make sure to leave a trusted contact number.
4. Rent a car? Make sure to cover it
If you decide to rent a car for your road trip, contact your local insurance agent to learn more about rental car coverage. Most rental companies will ask if you want to purchase insurance for your rental car. But, you may not need it. Your independent agent can check your current insurance policy for any coverages that may apply and can discuss coverages you may be able to add. One coverage you ask for is rent gap coverage.
Unless you’ve read the fine print on your lease, you’ve likely never heard of this coverage. Your local insurance agent will know and can help you feel confident when signing your rental agreement.
Covering the rental gap: Let’s say you crash your rental car and it’s worth $20,000, but the rental company decides to sell it for $10,000 rather than fix it. Without covering the rental gap, you are responsible for the difference.
5. Arrange roadside assistance before you go
Roadside breakdown service can be a vacation savings and you don’t have to be a member of an automobile association to get it. At Bolder Insurance, we offer emergency roadside service coverage that can be easily added to your vehicle’s policy. This service includes a 24-hour hotline if you need a towing, or if you have an emergency with your car’s battery, oil, or gas. Our road trouble service coverage extends across the country, and in most cases, you won’t have to pay for services out of pocket.
Taking steps to prepare for your road trip now may be helpful, but it will help you have a more relaxing and enjoyable vacation. Talk to your local independent insurance advisor in Boulder to make sure your vehicle is covered for your next adventures.
Disclaimer: Coverage analysis is in general terms and is superseded in all respects by insurance agreements, endorsements, exclusions, and policy terms and conditions. Some coverage described in this section may not be applicable in all states or may have to be modified to comply with applicable state law. Some coverages may have been removed or modified since this article was published. Please check with your most attractive local insurance advisor for details.
Article provided by Auto-Owners Insurance, a bolder insurance partner.
