In a 2022 survey, 80% of all people answered positively when asked whether they were planning a road trip in the near future. Road trips are the perfect tradition with family and friends, as you make memories, visit new places, and experience new things. But, no matter if it’s a 3-hour ride or a cross-country trip, there are some things you should know.
One of those things is having proper car insurance. It is important to have one in case of an accident or an unpredicted scenario. But understanding car insurance can be tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with all the lingo. Here are some basics ideas to help get you started.
Different Types of Car Insurance
There are different types of car insurance available in today’s market. Some of the most common include liability, collision, and personal injury protection (PIP) insurance.
- Liability insurance is the most basic type of car insurance and covers damages to other people or property that you may be held responsible for in an accident.
- Collision insurance covers any damages done to your vehicle in the event of an accident.
- Personal injury protection insurance covers medical expenses for you and your passengers in the event of an accident.
No matter what type of car insurance you are looking for, it is important to shop around before making a purchase. For instance, if you’re living in Ontario, Canada, and are looking for a proper brokerage to help you find a suitable insurance plan, click here to find out more about the different types and compare quotes fast and easily. Different insurers offer different coverage options and prices, so it is important to find the policy that best meets your needs.
Car Insurance Stands No Matter who the Driver is
If you’re road-tripping with friends or family, share the driving to break up the monotony and to get a quick break. This is allowed as the insurance follows the car, not the driver. Most insurance policies will cover the damage if you’re involved in a car accident, no matter who was driving. But, you need to make sure that your relative or friend has an up-to-date license. Make sure to contact your insurer beforehand to put your mind at ease.
Paying for Additional Coverage is Wise
When taking a road trip, it’s important to consider all the possible risks and make sure you’re prepared for them. One thing you may want to consider is additional coverage for your car. This could include things like roadside assistance or collision insurance. By having this extra coverage, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your trip without worrying about the potential for accidents or other problems.
There are a few different things to consider when deciding if additional coverage is right for you.
- The length of your trip. If you’re taking a short road trip, it may not be worth it to pay for extra coverage. However, if you’re going on a longer trip, it may be worth it to have that added peace of mind.
- Your budget. If you can afford to pay for extra coverage, it may be a good idea to do so. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you may want to skip this step. Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not extra coverage is worth the investment.
Passing National Borders Requires Extra Insurance
If you’re planning on driving outside of the country, then you need to buy additional insurance that will cover you while you’re in a foreign country.
You can save money by being specific about the time period you need to be covered. This way, you only pay for what you use instead of wasting money on coverage that extends beyond your needs.
Car Insurance may not Cover Personal Belongings
When purchasing an auto insurance policy make sure you ask whether it covers theft. This is something important to take into consideration, and you may need more coverage than what your current policy offers.
If you have a travel insurance policy in addition to your regular one, this could cover you in the event of theft. However, it depends on the specifics of your provider and product, as well as what led to the theft.
Bottom Line
Road tripping is a lot of fun, but you shouldn’t do it without car insurance. Car insurance is essential to protect yourself and your passengers in the event of an accident. But, keep in mind that not all car insurance policies are created equal. Make sure you understand what your policy covers before you hit the road.
Jason is the Marketing Manager at a local advertising company in Australia. He moved to Australia 10 years back for his passion for advertising. Jason recently joined BFA as a volunteer writer and contributes by sharing his valuable experience and knowledge.
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