Insurance for a Memorial Day Road Trip

For many people, the Memorial Day holiday weekend marks the beginning of summer, the end of a long school year, and an opportunity to take a family vacation. But more people enjoying the open road also means a higher chance of being involved in an accident. When alcohol is added to the mix, these statistics only get worse. Based on information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2009 there were more car accident fatalities on Memorial Day than any other holiday. In California, this weekend is considered a maximum enforcement period for the highway patrol. So if drivers plan on taking a long trip, it’s important to be safe and to be prepared.

Automobile accidents can have costly consequences, so it’s important that drivers have a suitable amount of auto insurance before setting out on a road trip, just in case. If someone causes an accident, they will most likely be financially responsible for damages or injuries suffered by the other person. Damage to a motorist’s own car, however, is generally covered by comprehensive and collision coverage. The important part is to find a policy that offers sufficient protection with thelowest car insurance rates.

Although every state has its own distinct financial responsibility requirements, most insurers will recommend that drivers invest in liability limits of 100/300/50. Purchasing an increased liability threshold can also prepare Memorial Day drivers for any road trips that cross state lines.

The Right Insurance for a Costly Crash

To legally drive in each state, motorists need to meet the minimum coverage requirements. For example, motorists in California need to have minimum liability limits of 15/30/5, while drivers in drivers in Nevada need limits of 15/30/10. In neighboring Utah, a person’s liability threshold needs to reach 25/65/15. Thankfully, vehicle owners don’t necessarily need to contact their insurer every time they approach state lines to ensure they’re adequately prepared.

Investing in a threshold that is well above any legal requirement is usually an affordable alternative for many people. Additionally, some insurance companies may automatically adjust a client’s coverage to match individual state requirements. However, it’s still important for people to contact their insurer to see whether this is automatically built into their policy and to find out the best course of action before setting out on the holiday weekend.

Even though additional protection can increase a person’s premium, being involved in an accident while underinsured can have far greater consequences. If a person’s liability limits are exceeded, the at-fault policyholder is still responsible for damage to the other person or their property. Additionally, simply filing a claim can lead to higher insurance costs. To decrease the chances of being involved in an accident, CalRecycle and the California Highway Patrol encourage motorists to drive safely by remembering to carefully inspect their tires before traveling. This simple action can decrease someone’s chances of experiencing a blowout and causing a collision.