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If you are heading out on a summer road trip, it's always a good idea to get an oil change, top off your car's fluid levels and check the air pressure in your tires. Reviewing your vehicle's insurance coverage never seems to make it on the to-do list. As it turns out, it should be on your list—and near the top.
According to the Utah Highway Patrol, most crashes —by far— happen on clear days. Your car insurance should be comprehensive enough to protect you and others in case of a car accident during your summer travels and activities.
To ensure you're covered on your next adventure, here are four insurance considerations you'll want to check before heading out the door.
Towing insurance
It's not a trip without your gear, but did you know that anything you tow will need its own policy if you want full coverage? Jennifer Pedrozo of Money.com says you'll need extra insurance for your tow in nearly every situation. When towing recreational vehicles, each trailer, boat and RV requires its own policy if you want full coverage. In most cases, your vehicle insurance will cover damage caused by your trailer, boat or other tow — but only if it is installed correctly. Additionally, Car and Driver says the typical vehicle insurance won't cover the contents of your tow if something were to happen.
Check with your Goldenwest Credit Union agent before your road trip to help you determine if the vehicles you are towing are properly insured.
Crossing borders
If your road trip plans include taking a car into Canada or Mexico, you will need the proper documentation for your vehicle to cross the border. Most auto insurance carriers will extend your coverage for a trip to Canada, but going south of the border could be a different story. John Egan of Experian explains, "Coverage from most U.S. car insurance policies does not extend to our neighbor to the south. Therefore, you'll probably need to purchase temporary car insurance tailored to driving in Mexico."
If you plan on traveling across the border, your agent can provide you with information regarding specific coverage of your policy when taking your car into a foreign country. Keep in mind that if you have a loan on your vehicle, your lender may also have special requirements for taking a car across the border, so you'll want to check with them before making the trip.
Letting friends drive your car
When you are tired and bleary-eyed, it's smart to switch drivers with a fellow passenger. When you and your friends plan on taking turns while driving on a road trip, Laura Longero of CarInsurance.com reminds you that "auto insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver." If your vehicle is being driven, no matter the driver, your insurance policy provides the coverage. "Typically, your car insurance covers other drivers regardless of who's driving it at the time of the accident as long as the driver has permissive use," Longero said. "Permissive use means that you permit the person to drive your car. Anyone who has permission to drive your car is considered a covered driver under your policy."
If you're not sure about your coverage, especially if you're traveling with friends, contact your agent.
Get the app
You never know when you'll need your insurance, but when you do, you'll need to access it easily. Most insurance carriers have free mobile apps for their clients to help them manage their accounts. Within these apps, you can contact your agent, access your ID cards, review policy documents, upload photos of vehicle damage and make a claim if needed. In addition to downloading your carrier's app, make sure your proof of insurance is located in a safe place in your car.
Goldenwest can help
Road trips to new places and heading out to your favorite camping spot are great fun, but don't let an insurance issue sour it. Before you hit the road, consulting with the insurance experts at Goldenwest Credit Union will help give you peace of mind that you're properly covered.
To learn more about getting the proper coverage for your vehicles before your next road trip, contact the local insurance experts at Goldenwest Insurance Services at 888-853-8992. They'll take care of you!
