If you plan to hit the road in your trusty set of wheels this summer, keep your safety and your car’s reliability in mind. Road trips often take you into unfamiliar areas. Therefore, you, and your vehicle, face risks that are comparatively out of the ordinary.

So, before you set out on a road trip, think about how you will use your car. Also take the time to shore up your insurance policy for maximum coverage while you are on your trip. Before you travel, and after you return, take the time to give your car the attention it needs.

Plan Ahead: Check Your Insurance

Every driver needs to have adequate car insurance. When you prepare to take a road trip, the necessity of this coverage increases. Car insurance can help you in a variety of emergency scenarios while you travel.

Before you go, make sure your policy is active and not at risk of expiring while you travel. Furthermore, make sure you have the right coverage levels in place.

You can also take extra steps to improve your coverage while you take an extended road trip.

• Make sure your policy covers any family members who might drive the car while you travel. You often have the opportunity to add extra drivers to each car’s policy.
• Check your policy to see if it covers uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. You might have an accident with an at-fault driver who does not have adequate liability insurance. Uninsured/underinsured coverage can help you afford repairs in these situations.
• Familiarize yourself with any of the assistance perks offered by the insurance policy. You might qualify for roadside help or 24-hour claims service. These perks can come in handy if you encounter problems in unfamiliar locations.
• If you plan to travel across international borders, check with your insurer. Your policy might lapse if you travel into Canada or Mexico. Many insurance policies come with international mileage limits. That means they will expire after you drive a certain number of miles into the country.

Always remember, car insurance is like your lifeline in case of driving hazards.

Before You Go: Inspect the Vehicle

You want to travel without having to worry about your car giving you problems. Take time before your road trip to check your vehicle and make sure it functions correctly. Consider taking it to your regular service station for a professional check-up. Your mechanic can:

• Inspect the engine and battery for signs of age, deterioration or corrosion
• Change your oil and other fluids and check for leaks
• Rotate, fill and balance your tires. They can also check for signs of tread deterioration

Also take the time to:

• Change your wiper blades if they are older than six months
• Test your lights to make sure they burn brightly and don’t show signs of corrosion
• Check your instrument panel for signs of malfunctioning gauges
• Test your air conditioning and heating systems.

With proper preparation, your car can serve you well on your road trip.

On the Road: Be Safe

Remember, a road trip will likely take you to places that you don’t visit regularly. It is important that you maintain your best on-road safety practices on this trip.

• Driving in a different area means you will likely encounter unfamiliar terrain. You will also meet other drivers whose driving practices may differ from your own. Always follow the rules of the road. Use extra care in acceleration, braking and navigation.
• Do not use mobile devices while you drive. Most states have strict laws against texting and driving. Plus, you are already unfamiliar with an area. If you are further distracted by a phone, your attention level greatly decreases.
• Give your car ample time to rest. When you take a break, give the car a break. Take ten minutes to stretch your legs and let the engine cool down.
• When searching for accommodations or rest areas, use only reputable businesses. If you leave your vehicle for any reason, lock the doors and take the keys with you. Consider locking valuables out of sight in the glove compartment or trunk. Thieves often target tourist stops because of the items travelers leave in their cars.

As always, keep in touch with someone back home. A friend, neighbor or relative should be able to know where you will be at certain times.

When you return from your road trip, make sure you give your car the attention it needs to recover from the journey. This might mean an oil change or refilling the tires. The right care will help ensure that your summer travels go smoothly.

We’ve got you covered. RCU Insurance Services can help you get a car insurance policy that meets your needs. Call us at 707-576-5120 for more information.