Planning a summer road trip? Whether you are cruising the coast, hitting the national parks, or exploring hidden gems across state lines, make sure your road trip insurance checklist is just as ready as your playlist and snack bag.

Before you hit the gas, take a few minutes to go over this easy insurance checklist. Trust me – handling this now is way more fun than dealing with a claim mid-vacation.

• Rental Reimbursement Coverage: If your car is in the shop after a covered accident, this coverage pays for a rental so your trip doesn’t stall. Learn more about Rental Reimbursement coverage here.
• Roadside Assistance: Whether it’s a flat tire, dead battery, or locked keys, roadside coverage for road trips can be a vacation-saver.

A personal Umbrella policy gives you an extra layer of liability protection beyond your standard Auto and Home policies. Think of it as your financial backup plan – for those big, unexpected “oh no” moments that can get expensive fast.

On a road trip, if you are involved in a serious car accident or someone gets hurt because of something you did (like backing into a person instead of a parking spot), Umbrella insurance can help cover medical bills, legal fees, and damages that go beyond your basic policy limits.

But here’s the bonus: Umbrella policies often extend liability coverage to recreational rentals, too.

So if you rent an ATV, jet ski, boat, or similar fun-but-risky summer toy during your adventure, your Umbrella policy may kick in for additional protection.

Basically, it’s a great add-on if your road trip involves a little adrenalin or a whole lot of liability potential.

• Rental boats and personal watercraft (like jet skis)
• ATVs and dirt bikes
• Golf carts and scooters
• Rented off-road vehicles or dune buggies
• RVs or motorhomes (liability only – doesn’t cover physical damage)
• Rock-climbing or adventure tour equipment (if liability is involved)

Just a heads-up: not all policies automatically include all these, and exclusions vary by insurer. So, before you sign the waiver and hop on that jet ski, check with your insurance agent or broker to make sure you are actually covered.

Even while you are off exploring the great unknown (or just the next state over), your stuff still needs protection. Active Homeowners, Renters, or Condo insurance doesn’t just protect your belongings at home – it can also cover personal items you take with you, like luggage, laptops, or that e-bike you finally decided to use.

Here’s something most people don’t realize: if your personal items are stolen from your car during the trip, it’s not your Auto insurance that pays – it’s your Home or Renters insurance that steps in. So, if your gear is missing after a pit stop or your bike disappears from the roof rack, having this coverage in place can save the day (and your budget).

Before your road trip, check that your policy is active and that the coverage limits are enough to protect the valuables you are bringing along.

Your Home, Renters, or Condo policy can typically help cover:

• Laptops, tablets, phones
• Backpacks, purses, and luggage
• Cameras and photography equipment
• Camping or hiking gear
• Bicycles (if attached to your vehicle or stored inside)
• Prescription glasses or sunglasses
• Electronics and gaming devices
• Clothing or shoes packed in the car

Of course, coverage depends on your policy limits and deductibles – so it’s worth checking in with your broker (ahem, that could be us) before you pack up your gear.

If your summer road trip includes a border-crossing detour into Canada or Mexico, don’t assume your coverage will follow.

However, most U.S. Auto insurance policies do extend into Canada with no special paperwork – just bring your proof of insurance and registration. You are usually good to go, especially if you stick to tourist routes and city driving.

Mexico’s a little trickier. Some U.S. insurers offer limited coverage for up to 25–50 miles into Mexico, but it’s often liability-only – and Mexican law requires you to carry Mexico-specific insurance anyway. For complete peace of mind, especially if you’re planning to drive deeper into the country, it’s best to purchase Mexican Auto insurance before you go.

Long story short? Call your insurance broker before you go international. A quick check can save a major headache at the border.

When people hear “travel insurance,” they usually think of flight delays and lost luggage. But Travel insurance for road trips can be just as valuable – even if you’re never setting foot in an airport.

Here’s what it can help with:

• Trip Cancellation or Interruption: If you need to cancel your plans due to illness, injury, or another covered reason, this coverage can reimburse prepaid reservations like hotels or excursions.
• Emergency Medical Expenses: Your health insurance might have limited coverage outside your home state (or country). Travel insurance helps fill that gap.
• Lodging and Food if You Are Stuck: If your car breaks down far from home and you are delayed overnight, Travel insurance may help cover hotel and meal costs.
• Lost or Stolen Items: If your luggage or personal belongings are lost, stolen, or damaged during the trip, some plans will help reimburse you.

Think of it as a safety net for all the non-car stuff that can go wrong on a trip. It complements your Auto insurance for road trips and can really save the day when plans change unexpectedly.