Does my Auto Insurance cover me when i am on vacation?

With the holidays coming on strong, you’re probably thinking of taking trips to visit family or just enjoying some time off. You might wonder if your auto insurance covers you even when you’re out of town. Driving out of the state is always questionable when it comes to insurance policies. Whether you’re renting a car to do some sightseeing, or driving a family member of friend’s car while you’re away, it’s smart to do some research before you put any risks on the line.

For the most part, you don’t have anything to worry about if you already have car insurance, and can spend your holiday stress-free with your family. Generally, your auto insurance will cover you for any accidents even if you are out of state. You may not realize it, but your car insurance policy will protect you even if you are driving a rental vehicle. That’s why it’s okay to turn down rental car insurance from the rental company, especially if you have a credit card that also offers car rental insurance coverage. Always check with both your insurance policy and your credit card company to make sure that you are covered before you make any decisions.

However, there are some situations when your car insurance won’t cover you if you get into an accident out of state. For example, if you are moving to another state and plan to stay there for an extended period, your insurance policy will only cover you for a short term. You need to talk to your insurance representative as soon as you can to update your policy and get the coverage you need according to the state you’re moving to. Every state has different insurance requirements, so it’s important that you meet the ones in which you are living.

Your insurance policy may not cover you if you travel south of the border into Mexico, or in international areas. If you do drive into Mexico, you should buy a different type of insurance for the duration of your travels. Ironically, most insurance companies will cover you if you drive north of the border into Canada.

Regardless of what policy you have, you should always check what you’re covered for before you head off anywhere. Call your insurance agent to get specifics on what you should or shouldn’t worry about. It’s a simple and easy step that might make a huge difference in protecting your family down the line.