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Summer is the perfect time to hit the open road and explore new destinations. Whether planning a cross-country adventure or a weekend getaway, ensuring your vehicle is road trip ready is crucial for a safe and enjoyable journey. Here are checklists to prepare your car and confirm you have adequate auto insurance coverage for your summer road trip.

1. Vehicle Check-up

Before embarking on your road trip, it's important to give your vehicle a thorough check-up. Most of this checklist you can do for yourself or have your preferred mechanic do it for you. Here’s a quick checklist to ensure your car is in its best road warrior shape:

*Tires: Check the tire pressure and tread depth. Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency and reduce the risk of blowouts.

*Fluids: Ensure all fluids, including oil, coolant, brake, and windshield washer fluid, are at the appropriate levels.

*Brakes: Have your brakes inspected to ensure they are functioning properly.

*Windshield Wipers: Examine your wiper blades for wear on the edge, which will reduce their effectiveness, or if you notice any issues when in use.

*Battery: Check the battery for any signs of corrosion and ensure it holds a charge.

*Lights and Signals: Test all lights and signals to ensure they are working correctly.

2. Pack an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit is a must-have for any road trip. This kind of kit would be wonderful to have in your vehicle year-round and especially helpful when traveling further from home.  Include items such as:

*First aid kit

*Flashlight with extra batteries

*Jumper cables – Review how to use them in advance of the trip if your experience with them is limited

*Tire gauge (battery-operated ones are more accurate, but the manual ones can at least help identify pressure issues)

*Basic tools (screwdriver, pliers, wrench, electrical tape)

*Work rags – two or three clean rags

*Road flares or reflective triangles

*Non-perishable snacks and bottled water

*Blanket and extra clothing (even in the summer, as getting caught changing a tire in a rainstorm or similar situations could create hypothermia risks)

3. Plan Your Route

While spontaneous road trips can be fun, having a general plan can help you avoid unexpected detours or road closures. Use GPS or a reliable map app to plan your route and identify rest stops, gas stations, and accommodations along the way. Checking the weather before you leave is also helpful to make sure you’re aware of where there may be dangerous driving conditions on your route. 

4. Review Your Auto Insurance Coverage

Before you hit the road, take a moment to review your auto insurance policy. Give your agent a call, text, or email if you have questions. Here are some key points to consider:

*Liability Coverage: Ensure you have adequate liability coverage to protect yourself in case of an accident. As vehicle and medical costs are rising, even a seemingly minor at-fault accident could max out your coverage limits.

*Other than Collision and Collision Coverage: These coverages can help pay for damage to your vehicle from accidents or other incidents such as theft, or natural disasters. Keep in mind that if a rock or other debris hit your windshield and crack/break it then your other than collision deductible will probably apply. This is important to know before you go.

*Roadside Assistance: Consider adding roadside assistance to your policy for peace of mind in case of a breakdown.

*Rental Car: Although your policy may show coverage for rental reimbursement, this is specific to covering the cost of renting a vehicle while yours is being repaired or while damages are being resolved due to a covered claim. We recommend that if you rent a vehicle to take on vacation or simply to avoid putting miles on your own car for a road trip, that you opt for the physical damage waiver offered by the rental car vendor. There are several scenarios where your physical damage insurance may not sufficiently cover the contracted obligations for your rental car. If you have questions on this, please contact your insurance agent.

5. Keep Important Documents Handy

Before you leave, make sure you have all necessary documents easily accessible, including:

* Driver’s license

* Vehicle registration

* Proof of insurance with current effective dates of coverage showing (we know how some of you forget to change these out at every renewal)

* Emergency contact information

* Vehicle manual (you never know when some new dashboard warning light will appear that needs decoding)

6. Stay Safe on the Road

Finally, practice safe driving habits to ensure a smooth journey:

* Obey speed limits and traffic laws.

* Watch for those surprise signs and cones even if your GPS didn’t give a warning.

* Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.

* Stay alert and avoid distractions, such as using your phone while driving.

* Keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

* Wear sunglasses and keep your windshield and mirrors clear (give them some love with every stop for gas)

By following these tips, you can hit the road with confidence in a better summer adventure. At Starr Mathews Agency, we are ready to talk auto insurance when you are. Our personal insurance team is ready to help review your current coverages, even if you just want a check-up – don’t take that trip without it.