The holidays are a time for festivities, joy, and road journeys to see family and friends. But with the extra hustle and bustle on the roads, accidents and mishaps are more likely to happen. That's why it's essential to ensure your car is fully covered before hitting the highway.
Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your car insurance is holiday-ready:
1. Review Your Current Coverage
Start by digging out your car insurance policy and giving it a close look. Check what's covered and what's not. Do you have comprehensive coverage? This is the part of your policy that helps if your car is stolen, vandalized, or damaged by falling tree branches or hail—common holiday-season hazards.
Liability insurance will not fix your car, but it will cover damage you cause to others. Ensure you have collision coverage too, so you're protected if you're in an accident.
2. Check for Gaps in Coverage
Planning to rent a car for your holiday travels? Don't assume your existing policy or credit card will cover it. Some policies don't include rental car coverage, so it's worth calling your insurer to double-check. If you're borrowing a friend's car or they're borrowing yours, find out if your policy covers other drivers or vehicles.
3. Add Roadside Assistance
Dead batteries, flat tires, or running out of gas can ruin any road trip. Including roadside assistance in your policy could save your life. This add-on helps with towing, jumpstarts, and other emergencies, giving you peace of mind when driving long distances during the holidays.
4. Update Your Policy for Holiday Trips
Are you traveling out of state or crossing the border into Mexico? You may need to update your policy or get temporary coverage. Some policies only apply within certain areas, and you don't want to find out the hard way that your coverage doesn't extend to your holiday destination.
5. Protect Your Holiday Gifts
Imagine your car loaded with gifts for your family, only to find it broken into. Personal belongings stolen from your car usually aren't covered by auto insurance. Instead, your homeowner's or renter's insurance might help. Check with your provider to protect your gifts in case of theft.
6. Look for Seasonal Discounts
The holiday season often brings deals, and insurance is no exception. Many insurers offer discounts for bundling policies, safe driving, or installing anti-theft devices. Take a few minutes to ask your insurer if you qualify for any holiday savings.
7. Don't Forget About Weather Hazards
Winter weather can be tough on cars. Make sure your coverage includes damage from icy roads or falling debris. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, consider adding comprehensive coverage if you don't already have it.
The holidays should be a time to relax and enjoy, not stress about what might go wrong on the road. By taking a few simple steps to review and update your car insurance, you can confidently drive into the holiday season. Stay safe, drive carefully, and enjoy the festivities!