Summer Road Trip Insurance Checklist: Are You Covered?

Key Takeaways:

• Summer is a great time for a road trip—be sure you understand the nuances of your auto insurance so that you’re protected from driving-related costs and consider travel insurance for the unexpected.
• It’s important to guard against insurance gaps that can leave you exposed—out-of-state (or country) liability, medical costs, and rental reimbursement, to name a few.
• Ensure your coverage keeps up with your adventures. Use our Summer Road Trip Insurance Checklist to save time, money, and stress, and create a smooth vacation experience.

It’s summer in the U.S. and the great American road trip is in full swing. With the pandemic firmly in our rearview mirror and many countries experiencing a backlash towards American tourists, more travelers than ever are choosing road trips and domestic travel over visiting international destinations.

Part of the allure is the idea of hitting the road and experiencing the freedom of a truly carefree vacation. However, to experience real peace of mind, it’s crucial to plan for the unexpected, and that means understanding that your road trip insurance coverage is equally as important as where you are going to stay, which route you want to follow, and which snacks to pack.

With that in mind, we have developed the “Summer Road Trip Insurance Checklist” as a tool to ensure travelers are protected throughout their trip.

Road Travel During Summer Months Can Be Unpredictable

As you start to plan your summertime getaway, remember that travel can be unpredictable during the warm summer months when there are far more people on the roads and highways. With proper insurance planning, you can head off on an adventure with confidence.

Remember to make allowances for things like:

• All the extra travelers on the road bring increased traffic congestion and higher accident rates.
• While in unfamiliar surroundings, you may experience lodging disruptions, breakdowns in rural areas, or out-of-network towing.
• You may experience unpredictable weather patterns that bring delays (or even re-routing or evacuations).
• Warm weather also brings an increase in vehicle theft and break-ins.
• You may need to play for unplanned travel delays due to wildfires, storms, or construction delays.

Does Your Auto Insurance Cover Road Trips?

Most standard auto insurance offers coverage while you are driving in the U.S. and Canada, but to be safe, it would be a good idea to verify the specifics of your existing coverage, e.g., full coverage vs partial coverage, etc.

Here are the main types of coverage you may currently have, which would be in place throughout your road trip:

Liability

Liability coverage covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to the other person’s vehicle. It does not include coverage for your vehicle. Liability insurance is required in most states, although some states do take a bond in lieu of liability coverage. Check your individual state requirements.

Collision

Collision coverage covers your car if it is damaged in an accident—no matter who is responsible for the accident. You can choose to opt out of this insurance unless you are leasing or financing your vehicle. All leasing and financial companies require that you provide full coverage, including collision insurance, to protect their position.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive coverage protects you if your vehicle is stolen, damaged by weather (like hail or falling objects), or vandalized. When traveling, this can be particularly important coverage to carry.

Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Medical coverage will cover you or your passengers if anyone is injured during an accident regardless of fault.

Roadside Assistance

If your car has to be towed or jumpstarted, a flat tire fixed, or you are locked out, roadside assistance will help you anywhere in the U.S.

Additional Questions

When planning your trip, be sure your current coverage addresses these things:

• Out-of-State Travel – Most insurance companies do cover out-of-state travel in the U.S. and Canada, but a quick check of your existing policy doesn’t hurt.
• Additional Drivers – If you are expecting additional people to be driving your car during your road trip, be sure to verify coverage with your insurance company.
• Driving in Mexico – Most insurance companies do not cover driving in Mexico and Mexican law requires you to carry liability coverage at a minimum. There are multiple insurance brokers online where you can obtain appropriate coverage. You can also purchase coverage at most border crossings.
• Rental Cars – If you are renting a car for your road trip, it is advisable to purchase the additional coverage offered by the rental company—just to be safe.

The Ultimate Summer Road Trip Insurance Checklist

1. Check Your Existing Policy Details

• • Liability limits, deductibles, exclusions, and the ‘fine print.’
  • Review and update your policy well before departure.

2. Add Roadside Assistance (if you don’t currently have it)

• • This will protect you if you experience flat tires, dead batteries, towing, or need a fuel delivery.
  • Compare roadside assistance vs AAA if your insurance company doesn’t guarantee assistance 365/24/7.

3. Confirm Rental Car Coverage (if needed)

• • Verify rental reimbursement add-ons, like roadside assistance.
  • Inventory all credit card benefits associated with renting a vehicle.

4. Review of Medical Coverage Options

• • What happens if you get injured far from home – whether in a car accident or anywhere else?
  • Review add-on coverage vs. personal health insurance, e.g., coverage constraints, networks, limitations, transportation costs, etc.

5. Travel Insurance for Road Trips if You Opt for Additional Protection

• • Review and understand requirements for trip interruption, hotel reimbursement, and lost luggage for car-based travel.
  • What your travel insurance policy does—and doesn’t—cover when you’re on the road.

6. Trip Interruption/Emergency Lodging Coverage

• • When your plans get delayed, will your insurance help?
  • Ensure your policy has emergency accommodation coverage.

7. Coverage for Belongings in the Car

• • Review how your personal property is (or isn’t) protected from theft, fire, flood, or other emergencies .
  • When homeowners/renters insurance is primary.

Don’t Forget Your Proof of Coverage and Emergency Info

When you are packing for your trip, don’t forget your important documents related to all types of insurance coverage.

Today, downloading the app is the easiest way to have 24/7 access to all the information you need, but it’s important to also carry a hard copy in case you find yourself in a location without internet coverage.

Be sure to include these items with your other important documents, e.g., drivers’ licenses or state-issued IDs, passports, auto registrations, vaccine and prescription lists, etc.:

• Insurance cards
• Phone numbers for your insurance company(ies)
• Roadside assistance contacts
• Emergency health information
• Claims instructions

Still Not Sure? Here Are Some Real-Life Road Trip Scenarios

Whether it’s auto insurance, homeowners or renters insurance, or travel insurance, here are three scenarios where coverage was crucial to the traveler(s).

• A family with small children is stranded in a remote national park while camping. Due to a flat tire, they are unable to move their camper and continue on with the vacation. With roadside assistance coverage on their auto insurance policy, they are able to reach out to the area provider and get a mechanic to change and fix their tire.
• A solo traveler’s car is broken into, and their luggage and laptop are stolen. Their comprehensive auto insurance will cover the damage to the car, e.g., broken window, and the person’s homeowners or renters insurance will cover the replacement costs for the laptop.

NOTE: Some insurance policies have a limit of 10% of personal property coverage limits if the theft or damage occurs away from the home.

• A couple’s trip is delayed due to an emergency wildfire evacuation. They have to pay for three extra nights of lodging. Their travel insurance will cover the hotel charges since the delay is beyond their control. If they incur charges for future hotel reservations that are missed, the travel insurance would pay that cost as well.

How to Stay Safe on a Road Trip

Like at home, reviewing and planning for potential problems is the first step in staying safe. When you are planning a road trip, it’s important to do the same. Here are some tips that will help keep you and your family safe.

Before You Leave

• Get a Vehicle Check-Up – Have your mechanic do a thorough once-over, including inspecting tires, checking brakes, filling fluids, and checking batteries, lights, and wipers. If needed, schedule maintenance before your trip so that you have peace of mind when you pull out of the driveway.
• Plan Your Route – Use navigation apps for routes and real-time traffic updates. It’s also a good idea to have a backup offline map in case you run into a spotty signal.
• Check Insurance Coverage – Ensure your auto insurance covers out-of-state travel, roadside assistance, and rental reimbursement.
• Pack an Emergency Kit – Include jumper cables, flashlight, batteries, basic tools, tire inflator, first aid kit, water, and snacks.
• Charge Devices & Pack Cables – Bring a car charger, power bank, and all necessary charging cords for all your devices. And don’t forget devices like electric toothbrushes, reading lights, sports watches, and earphones.

While You’re Driving

• Buckle Up—Every Time – Seatbelts save lives.
• Avoid Driving While Distracted (Especially on Unfamiliar Roads) – Use hands-free for calls and let your passengers handle the texts, GPS, and music.
• Obey Speed Limits & Local Laws – Stay aware of weather or traffic conditions and adjust your driving as needed.
• Be sure to Take Regular Breaks – To stay alert and reduce fatigue when driving long distances, rest every 2–3 hours. Stretch, hydrate, and refocus to arrive at the day’s destination safely.
• Share Driving Duties – If possible, switch drivers often to avoid burnout.

Be Weather Aware

• Always Check Weather Forecasts Daily – Be prepared for rain, hail, heat, or storms and adjust your driving plans accordingly.
• Remember to Slow Down in Poor Conditions – On unfamiliar roads, it’s especially important to increase following distance and avoid sudden lane changes in rain or fog.

Passenger & Pet Safety

• Always Secure Children & Car Seats – Use appropriate safety seats and restraints based on age and size.
• Keep Pets Safe – Use harnesses or pet carriers to protect both your pet and passengers.
• Pack Smart Snacks & Entertainment – Keep everyone happy on the road with fun road trip games and books or movies for ‘quiet time.’

When You Stop

• Always Park in Well-Lit Areas – Choose safe, visible spots at rest stops and overnight lodgings.
• Lock Your Vehicle – Always lock doors and keep valuables out of sight.
• Stay Aware of Surroundings – Trust your instincts and avoid risky areas.

Final Thoughts…Make Insurance Your Co-Pilot

When planning a well-prepared and fun summer road trip, having the proper insurance is essential for a safe, worry-free adventure. While your auto insurance is key, you should also consider your roadside assistance, homeowners or renters insurance, as well as the need for travel insurance when making your final plans.

Auto insurance isn’t just about worst-case scenarios—just having it gives you peace of mind so that you can enjoy your road trip from start to finish. When reviewing your insurance needs, be sure to speak to a licensed insurance agent who can customize your coverage before they hit the road.

Contact einsurance.com to get quotes on auto, homeowners, or renters insurance and be ready when you hear the ‘call of the road.’