{"id":5767,"date":"2021-07-23T07:49:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-23T07:49:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=5767"},"modified":"2025-04-29T23:16:33","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T23:16:33","slug":"review-car-insurance-for-vacation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/review-car-insurance-for-vacation\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Reasons You Should Review Your Car Insurance Before a Big Vacation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Whether you\u2019re heading off for sunny or snowy climates with just the adults or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/auto-tips\/traveling-with-kids\/\">bringing the kids along<\/a>, your vacation is there for you to unwind and enjoy yourself. However, life is always ready to throw you a curveball. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/types-of-car-insurance\/\">Understanding your car insurance<\/a> coverage is the best way to be ready to catch it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re renting a car, taking your own, or leaving it at home, it\u2019s important to know what\u2019s covered in your insurance policy. Below are four reasons why you should review your car insurance policy before heading off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-your-rental-car-may-or-may-not-be-covered\">1. Your Rental Car May or May Not Be Covered<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re headed off on a \u201cdestination\u201d vacation\u2014that is, one where you fly to the location then rent a car\u2014you need to know if your insurance includes rental coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you go to rent your car, you will likely be offered insurance coverage for it. If you know what\u2019s already covered, you know what (and what not) to purchase. The following are some typical examples of coverage options for rentals:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong><strong>Vehicle damage or loss.<\/strong> This could include theft or damage by a collision. It could also include damage from a non-accident event like a hailstorm, fire, flood, or falling tree. It can also cover a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/auto-tips\/cracked-windshield\/\">cracked windshield<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Personal liability coverage.<\/strong> This covers harm you might cause others while operating the car, which could include bodily injury or property damage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Personal injury coverage.<\/strong> If you have an accident, this coverage handles your (and your passengers\u2019) medical costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Personal property coverage.<\/strong> Your personal belongings inside the car, including electronics, sporting equipment, and luggage, get covered by this type of protection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If your personal auto insurance policy covers your rental car, make sure you know what types of protection it offers. Your credit card may also provide protection, so be sure to check what it covers. Your final option is to purchase insurance from the rental agency itself, though this will likely be the most expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A few things to note:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Your personal auto insurance policy may not cover a rental car driven for business.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The types of coverage for your rental car are usually the same as for your regular car.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In general, a policy that provides good comprehensive collision, liability, and personal injury coverage is good enough to replace the rental agency\u2019s waiver.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>However, make sure to ask your insurer the following questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-does-my-insurance-policy-cover-any-fees-charged\">Does my insurance policy cover any fees charged?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, the rental agency will charge certain fees after there is damage to a rental vehicle. These can include loss of use charges, a charge to compensate for the reduced vehicle value, administrative fees, and towing costs. See if your insurance company covers these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-will-my-insurance-policy-replace-a-totaled-rental-car\">Will my insurance policy replace a totaled rental car?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your rental car is totaled, will the insurance company pay to replace it? Some insurance policies only cover the car\u2019s book value \u2014 to replace it, it would also need to include \u201cgap\u201d insurance to cover the cost of a new replacement for the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-types-of-rental-cars-aren-t-included\">What types of rental cars aren\u2019t included?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is an important question to ask. Does the policy cover non-standard vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and sports cars, or high-end rentals? Figure out what the limits are to your coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-your-insurance-may-not-cover-you-in-mexico-or-canada\">2. Your Insurance May Not Cover You in Mexico or Canada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re heading to one of the gorgeous neighboring countries of the United States, you need to make sure you have the right insurance for the trip. Some personal auto insurance policies and many credit cards do not offer coverage for Mexico and Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most likely cause is that they will extend coverage to these countries for an additional fee. You should make sure you have the minimum required coverage for the country you\u2019re visiting. Once you have it all sorted out, print out proof of coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may find that car insurance is available within a travel insurance policy. Look into this when you are purchasing travel insurance as an alternative option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mexico-vs-canada\">Mexico vs. Canada<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In general, your car insurance policy is more likely to provide coverage in Canada than it is in Mexico. The best way to figure out coverage is to speak with someone from your insurance company. Freeway Insurance offers high-quality <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/insurance-options\/mexican-car-insurance\/\"><u>Mexico travel insurance<\/u><\/a> to make your trip south of the border an easy one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter which country you visit, just don\u2019t forget to bring the essentials:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Your ID<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Passport<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hard copy of proof of insurance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An extra set of keys (keep these on you!)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Photocopies of your government IDs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Important documents like photo IDs, passports, and insurance cards seem to enjoy going missing when you need them most \u2014 so be sure to keep everything in a safe place. You don\u2019t want to keep these documents in your glove compartment, particularly in a rental car. If the car gets stolen, your IDs will go right along with it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you get into an accident, lock yourself outside your car, or have another mishap abroad, stay calm and contact the appropriate parties. Consular offices can also assist you. Otherwise, make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey \u2014 read our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/auto-tips\/tire-care-tips\/\">tire care tips<\/a> to keep tabs on the health of your tires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-your-car-insurance-policy-provides-road-trip-perks\">3. Your Car Insurance Policy Provides Road Trip Perks<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"665\" src=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/does-my-car-insurance-cover-a-trip.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5770\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/does-my-car-insurance-cover-a-trip.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/does-my-car-insurance-cover-a-trip-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/does-my-car-insurance-cover-a-trip-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/does-my-car-insurance-cover-a-trip-960x638.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/does-my-car-insurance-cover-a-trip-752x500.jpg 752w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/does-my-car-insurance-cover-a-trip-295x196.jpg 295w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/does-my-car-insurance-cover-a-trip-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/does-my-car-insurance-cover-a-trip-285x190.jpg 285w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Your auto insurance policy is more than just a set of protections. It can provide real perks when you set off on your summer road trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-let-your-road-trip-partner-take-the-wheel\">Let your road trip partner take the wheel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For starters, you\u2019re probably going to be switching drivers over the course of a long road trip. Luckily, your insurance policy follows your car, not the driver. That means if your spouse or road trip buddy is taking over the wheel, they will be covered by your policy in the event of an accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, your car insurance policy is behind your back for safe driving practices like switching off when you\u2019re getting tired. However, there are some obvious limitations to this coverage. The other driver will not be covered if they are drunk, do not have a license, are under the influence of drugs, or fit some other specified exemption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-don-t-worry-about-different-minimum-coverage-rates-in-different-states\">Don\u2019t worry about different minimum coverage rates in different states<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you get into an accident in another state, know that the minimum amount of car insurance varies by state. For instance, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/auto-insurance\/florida\/\">Florida <\/a>requires only $10,000 in personal injury protection and $10,000 in property damage liability. New York, on the other hand, has minimums that are around six times higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While your coverage might appear to be too low to cover the damages to a New York driver, there\u2019s good news. Your car insurance company knows that it would be unfair to penalize you for having the right amount of protection in one state but not another. As long as you are not under the influence or acting in another way that would disqualify you, your car insurance company will automatically match the limits of the state you\u2019re driving in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In most cases, the same is also true if you travel north to Canada. The exception is Mexico, which requires a separate type of auto insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-you-may-be-able-to-save-money-while-you-re-away\">4. You May Be Able to Save Money While You\u2019re Away<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re headed off on vacation and leaving your car at home\u2014the most common example of this would be taking a taxi to the airport\u2014, you may be able to save money on your car during your absence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your car insurance may be able to tweak your policy while you\u2019re gone to remove certain protections while keeping others. For example, if your car is parked in your garage, there is virtually no risk of getting in a collision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your insurance company understands that and may be able to pause collision coverage for the duration of your trip. This will lower your monthly premium for the length of your trip. Ensure to ask your insurer what they recommend based on the details of where your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/someone-hit-parked-car\/\">car is parked<\/a> (outside, garage, street parking, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that it\u2019s not recommended to cancel your auto insurance policy completely during your vacation. It will be an extra hassle to start it back up and create a gap in your insurance history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also recommended to keep your car protected against theft, fire, and flood damage while it\u2019s parked inside your garage. This will prevent any catastrophic loss during your trip and will protect you in case something happens while you\u2019re gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-freeway-insurance-has-you-covered\">Freeway Insurance Has You Covered<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for affordable and high-quality <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/auto-insurance\/\"><u>auto insurance<\/u><\/a>, Freeway Insurance has your back. Our car insurance policies consistently provide the cheapest rates and best coverage options for drivers all over the U.S. When it\u2019s time to head out on that big vacation, we\u2019ve also got you covered \u2014 whether you\u2019re taking your car along or leaving it at home. Ask about our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/insurance-options\/roadside-assistance\/\"><u>roadside assistance<\/u><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/insurance-options\/motorcycle-insurance\/\"><u>motorcycle<\/u><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/insurance-options\/motorhome-insurance\/\"><u>RV<\/u><\/a>, and other types of insurance to handle any type of vacation. Start your <a href=\"https:\/\/rate.freeway.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">car insurance quote online<\/a>, call us at <a href=\"tel:800-777-5620\">(800) 777-5620<\/a>, or visit one of <a href=\"https:\/\/locations.freeway.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">our offices near you<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:17px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"link-button__container\" style=\"text-align: center\"><a class=\"link-button link-button_1\" href=\"#modal-turbo\">Get a Quote<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"link-button__container\" style=\"text-align: center\"><a class=\"link-button link-button_1\" href=\"tel:800-777-5620\">Call Us<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"link-button__container\" style=\"text-align: center\"><a class=\"link-button link-button_1\" href=\"https:\/\/locations.freeway.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find Your Office<\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether you\u2019re heading off for sunny or snowy climates with just the adults or bringing the kids along, your vacation is there for you to unwind and enjoy yourself. However, life is always ready to throw you a curveball. Understanding your car insurance coverage is the best way to be ready to catch it. Whether [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1002615,"featured_media":5771,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"importance":[],"type-content":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5767"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1002615"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5767"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5767\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11717,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5767\/revisions\/11717"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5771"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5767"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5767"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5767"},{"taxonomy":"importance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/importance?post=5767"},{"taxonomy":"type-content","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/type-content?post=5767"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}