As you plan your vacation, it’s important to consider your car insurance coverage. If you are taking a road trip, you’ll need to be sure you have enough coverage on your own vehicle or the rental you’ve reserved. If you are staying at a vacation home for a longer period of time, you may want to look into temporary car insurance for that location. Depending on the magnitude of your trip, there are numerous factors to be considered. 

Let’s look at a few things to think about before you embark on your well-deserved vacation. 

What Does Your Arizona Car Insurance Coverage Provide? 

First, check with your insurance agent in Arizona to determine what your existing car insurance policy covers. Will you be covered in the state you’ll be vacationing in? If you’re planning to rent a car, does your insurance cover that vehicle? If it does, what amount does your policy cover?  

This is all-important information to have as you plan your vacation. No one wants to think about an accident or theft occurring during this relaxing time, but unfortunately, it’s possible. Again, speaking with your insurance agent before you leave home helps make sure that you’re prepared. 

Do Your Credit Cards Offer Additional Rental Car Insurance Coverage? 

In some cases, credit card companies provide extra benefits to their cardholders. For example, one common benefit is additional insurance for rental cars. If you have a credit card with a major company, it’s worth calling them or checking online to see if you have this perk. You may have more insurance on a rental car than you realize, so you may not need to purchase more insurance for your trip. Read through the information carefully to determine what type of rental car insurance is offered to cardholders and how much coverage is provided. 

Should You Buy Additional Coverage for a Rental Car While on Vacation? 

When you rent a car, one major upsell that is typically offered is the additional insurance coverage. If you have a high deductible policy with minimal coverage for your own vehicle, and you’re renting a car that is much newer, it may be wise to go ahead and sign up for this extra coverage. On the other hand, if you have a newer vehicle and carry comprehensive coverage on it, you may not need the extra coverage. It’s important to assess the value of the rental compared to the amount of car insurance that you carry as you make this decision. 

What Is a Loss Damage Waiver? 

Many rental car agencies have begun to use Loss Damage Waivers as part of the coverage they offer. This protection ensures that you aren’t responsible for anything that happens to the rental car while it’s in your possession. It is typically a daily fee added to your rental that helps protect you against everything from someone scratching it to it being totaled in a traffic accident. This additional insurance can add extra expense to your rental, but it may also be worth it for your peace of mind while on vacation. 

Temporary Car Insurance for Driving at Vacation Homes 

If you typically vacation for longer periods and own a second home, like a lake house or beach house, you may have a second vehicle on-site at this location. You may need to purchase temporary car insurance coverage for driving on vacation in situations like this.  

These shorter-term policies will cover the vehicle at your vacation home for the extent of your visit. Then the vehicle will typically be parked, with far less insurance coverage, for the remainder of the year. Temporary car insurance can be a good way to keep a vehicle available to you when it’s needed while you’re on vacation without paying for full insurance when the car is garaged and not being used. 

Can You Pause Your Arizona Car Insurance Coverage While on Vacation? 

It’s actually quite challenging to pause your car insurance while you’re on vacation, and canceling it temporarily can lead to a lapse in coverage. However, if you’re carrying a large amount of insurance on a vehicle and it will be garaged for several months, you may be able to save a bit of money. Speak to your insurance agent about the possibility of lowering the amount of coverage you’re carrying. You may be able to temporarily reduce the policy to liability only, which will save you money while you’re away. This will depend on whether there’s an outstanding lien on your vehicle and other specific factors, but a skilled agent can help you accomplish your goals. 

Should You Consider Car Insurance When You Travel? 

As you evaluate the insurance you’ll need for your trip, be sure you have the correct amount of car insurance coverage to protect you. Whether you’ll be taking a short road trip or a longer trip to a vacation home, you’ll need to be sure your assets are protected. If you are planning an extended trip, a cruise, or a trip overseas, the vacation itself may be quite expensive. If this is the case, you may also want to speak to an agent about travel insurance. This coverage will protect your rental car but will also cover other parts of your journey, making sure that any issues along the way are handled and expensive bills don’t come out of your pocket. 

Check with Your Arizona Insurance Agent Before a Long Trip 

Before you take off on your next vacation, spend a few minutes making sure you have the car insurance coverage you need. Contact Oasis Insurance at 800-330-5190, drop by one of our storefront locations, or visit us online. Our highly skilled agents can help you determine the amount of coverage you need before you hit the road.