Do I need insurance for a road trip?

4 minute read Published on May 27, 2021 by BrokerLink Communications

Do I need insurance for a road trip?

There’s nothing like a good old fashioned road trip. Unlike travelling by plane or train, taking your own car gives you more freedom to explore, take your time, and, you can play your own music as loud as you want; play road trip games, and bring all your favourite snacks!

Before you leave, we have one question: do you have the right insurance coverage if the unexpected happens?

While you might not consider it necessary to purchase additional insurance for a road trip, it can be a lifesaver, especially if your trip is cancelled unexpectedly, if you experience delays getting to your destination, if your belongings are stolen or if you get sick or injured on your trip.

Keep reading to learn more about the different types of insurance to consider before you hit the road.

Can I buy road trip insurance?

There isn’t really such a thing as “road trip insurance”. However, there are several types of insurance that can provide the coverage you need for a road trip, such as:

  • car insurance (which is mandatory)
  • travel and medical insurance
  • home or tenant insurance

It would also be beneficial to have an emergency road service membership that you can call on in case your car breaks down if you’re travelling in Canada or the U.S.

All of these coverages will help ensure you can fully relax and enjoy your vacation. Learn more about each one so you’re prepared.

Car insurance for a road trip

Before you leave on your road trip, it’s important that you fully understand what’s covered under your car insurance policy. If you’re unsure, call your insurance broker to discuss your policy. Your broker will review your policy with you to make sure you’re fully covered. They may need to ask a few questions to determine your needs, such as:

  • How long will you be on the road?
  • Where are you going?
  • Are you driving through multiple provinces?
  • Are you driving to a different country?
  • How many drivers are there?

Together, you and your broker will determine if your existing coverage is enough to protect you on your trip. You may also choose to purchase additional coverage such as collision or comprehensive, or increase some of your coverage liability levels before you leave. Your insurance broker can provide advice about what makes the most sense for your specific circumstances.

Travel insurance for a road trip

You may have purchased travel insurance for a trip involving a flight. Did you know you can purchase travel insurance for a road trip as well? Here are a few reasons you might want to consider travel insurance before going on a road trip:

Unexpected delays

No matter how detailed your itinerary is, there might be a delay on your road trip you didn’t see coming. Your car may break down, there may be a lot of construction, or you may run into severe weather. You never know when your plans might go off track. Delays could mean missed reservations for your accommodations or admission to specific attractions you purchased tickets for. Travel insurance can help recover many of the costs that arise from these unexpected delays.

Medical emergencies while on a road trip

In Canada, we’re privileged to have universal health care. If you are travelling to another province, some services may not be covered. Travel insurance may help bridge these gaps.

If you’re travelling to another country such as the United States, you will need to purchase additional insurance. Health care costs can add up very quickly. You don’t want to run the risk of getting stuck with a hospital bill that may take years to pay off.

Road trip cancellation

Sometimes things happen that we can’t predict. You might need to cancel your trip at the last minute due to illness, a work-related reason or another unexpected event. If any part of your trip was prepaid or has non-refundable components, travel insurance can help recover those costs.

Home insurance for your road trip

You’re probably wondering why we’re talking about home insurance when you’re going on a road trip. Believe it or not, you may want to discuss home insurance with your broker before you leave! Many home insurance policies have a vacancy clause. This means you can’t leave your home empty and un-checked for longer than a certain time period, for example, 30 days. If you’re planning to stay on the open road for more than a month, consider having a trusted family member or friend house-sit or check on the home while you’re gone. Be sure to ask your broker for details on the vacancy clause of your home insurance policy.

The belongings you bring on your trip may also be covered by your home insurance policy! For example, if your camera is stolen from your car, this might be covered by home insurance. Talk to your broker to see if your home insurance extends to your personal belongings. You may want to consider extending your home insurance coverage to protect some of your valuable items.

Planning a road trip? Call BrokerLink!

Things can happen while you’re on the road. That’s why it’s important to purchase the right insurance coverage so you can enjoy your road trip with peace of mind knowing you’re protected. Talk to a BrokerLink insurance broker to learn more about your options.

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