Why Do You Need to Get Car Insurance Before a Road Trip?

A long road trip with friends and family is a perfect vacation recipe. So, you’ve checked the tyres, topped off the fuel, mapped out the route, and curated a playlist. But amidst this excitement, did you forget to review your car insurance?

Not to be a buzzkill, but insurance should be on top of your to-do list before going on a long drive. It’s your safety net, ensuring minor bumps on the road don’t dampen the spirit of adventure.

So, join us as we help you pick the best car insurance policy for your road trip.

Benefits of Car Insurance for Road Trips

Here are four reasons why you must get a car insurance policy for road trips:

1. Financial Protection Against Accidents 

Car insurance protects you from expenses resulting from damages incurred during an accident, like the cost of repairing or replacing parts, medical bills, and legal fees.

2. Roadside Assistance and Emergency Services 

With the right add-on, professional assistance is just one phone call away in case of emergencies. This includes situations where your car breaks down or you find yourself stranded on the roadside with an empty fuel tank.

3. Cheaper Repair Costs At Any Network Garages on Your Way 

Network garages are your insurance provider’s partner workshops. If your car needs repair on your long drive and there’s a network garage en route, you’re in luck. You can get your vehicle repaired at significantly lower costs. Since these are authorized repair shops, you can also expect a superior quality of work.

However, the biggest benefit of network garages is that you can file a cashless claim. The insurer pays the partner garage directly, so you don’t have to pay anything upfront.

4. Peace of Mind During the Journey 

Embarking on a journey should be about enjoyment, making peace of mind as crucial as the journey itself. With a proper vehicle protection cover, you can embrace a truly stress-free adventure.

5. Long-Term Cost Savings

Even a minor fender bender can put a dent in your finances. Luckily, car insurance frees you from the burden of paying for repairs, medical bills, or legal costs out of your pocket. Moreover, you can avail discounts and no-claim bonuses to reduce your premium.

How to Select the Right Car Insurance Plan for Your Road Trip

The market has plenty of car insurance plans, so you can’t buy the first one you see. Instead, carefully consider your needs and wants and pick only the best coverage.

For frequent travellers, a comprehensive coverage plan is often the perfect choice. The plan offers extensive protection that goes beyond the basics, protecting against a wide range of incidents, including theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and accidents.

Unlike third-party car insurance, which only covers damages caused to a third party and their vehicle, a comprehensive insurance plan covers both third-party and own damages.

Customize Your Comprehensive Car Insurance Plan

While comprehensive coverage is quite extensive, you can customize it further to your unique needs with add-ons. Depending on your route, destination, and number of passengers, you can include the additional benefits to your policy by paying a slightly extra premium:

1. 24×7 Roadside Assistance

If you’re on a long drive, insurance with roadside assistance is a lifesaver if you ever get stranded in the middle of nowhere or your car breaks down. You can request your insurance provider to arrange immediate help, like fuel delivery, tow service, battery jumpstart, backup ride, and even a hotel room.

2. Passenger Cover

Going on a road trip with just comprehensive coverage is like taking your kids to an ice cream parlour not treating them to a scoop. You see, comprehensive car insurance only protects you, not the passengers. By getting a passenger cover, you can extend the financial protection to people travelling with you.

3. Engine Protection Cover

A regular comprehensive plan doesn’t cover non-accidental damages to the engine. If you are travelling to an area that receives heavy rainfall or is prone to flooding, water ingress can damage the engine. Adding an engine protection add-on to your car insurance protects against financial burdens arising from engine damage, covering repair and replacement costs.

4. Tyre Protection Cover

Tyres wear down faster during frequent long-distance trips, especially those that include off-roading. However, standalone car insurance doesn’t cover regular wear and tear. You’ll need an additional tyre protection cover to safeguard against the cost of replacing or repairing tyres. The add-on covers damages to tyres due to sharp objects, debris, curbs, etc.

5. Personal Belongings Cover

Taking your high-end camera to record vlogs or sports equipment to play on your trip? Then, you should consider personal belongings add-ons. It protects you from expenses if your personal items are damaged in an accident or stolen from your vehicle. It covers gadgets, clothing, jewellery, sports equipment, luggage, etc. 

Key Takeaways

Getting a comprehensive insurance policy for road trips isn’t just about ticking a box in your travel checklist. It’s about embarking on a journey with confidence, knowing you’re covered for every twist and turn. So, as you gear up for your next road trip, get a new car insurance policy or update your existing one with relevant add-ons to get complete vehicle protection.