Before your next summer adventure, make sure your car insurance is road-trip ready. These essential tips will help you stay protected while you travel in 2025.
Quick Summary: From rental car coverage to roadside assistance, your car insurance plays a major role in summer road trip safety. Learn how to check your policy, add optional protections, and avoid common pitfalls before hitting the highway this summer.
1. Review Your Current Policy Before Traveling
Don’t assume your policy covers everything. Contact your insurer or log in to your online portal to check:
- Liability limits (especially if crossing state lines)
- Collision and comprehensive status
- Roadside assistance coverage
- Rental reimbursement options
2. Understand How Insurance Works Across State Lines
Your liability coverage will automatically adjust to meet the legal minimums of any state you drive through. But deductibles, exclusions, and additional protections stay the same.
Tip: If you’re crossing into Canada or Mexico, you may need separate coverage or a travel rider.
3. Add Roadside Assistance (If You Don’t Have It)
Flat tire in the desert? Dead battery in the mountains? Roadside assistance can save your trip. It usually costs just a few extra dollars per month and includes:
- Towing
- Battery jump-start
- Lockout service
- Fuel delivery
4. Consider Rental Car Coverage
If you’re renting a car for your road trip, check whether your personal auto insurance extends to rental vehicles. Most full coverage policies do—but if you only carry liability, you’re likely not protected.
Also: Credit card rental coverage may apply, but often excludes certain vehicle types or international travel.
5. Prep Your Vehicle Before You Go
Your insurance won’t cover maintenance issues—so make sure your vehicle is in top shape before departure. Check:
- Tire pressure and tread
- Fluid levels (oil, coolant, transmission)
- Brakes and lights
Pro Tip: Document the condition of your car with photos in case you need to file a claim later.
6. Use a Safe Driving App for Discounts
Going on a long trip? Enroll in a usage-based insurance program (like Drivewise, SmartRide, or Snapshot) to potentially earn a safe-driving discount after your journey.
☀️ Hitting the Road This Summer? Don’t Forget to Check Your Insurance
Whether you’re crossing state lines or exploring hidden gems, make sure your car insurance has you covered. Compare affordable policies before your summer adventure begins.
Real Example: Travel Without Roadside = $700 Tow Bill
Case Study: Olivia and her family drove from Kansas to Yellowstone. Her tire blew in a remote area of Wyoming—with no roadside coverage, the tow cost $700 out-of-pocket. A $5/month add-on would’ve saved her hundreds.
FAQs About Summer Travel & Car Insurance
Does my insurance cover me in all U.S. states?
Yes, your coverage follows you across state lines, and your liability limits adjust to the legal minimums of the state you’re in.
Is rental car coverage included in my policy?
Only if you have full coverage. Liability-only policies typically do not cover rentals unless you purchase separate coverage.