By Lorie Ham
Spring has sprung and it’s the perfect time to take that road trip you have been planning to go on once the weather was nice again. For many, Spring Break is also coming up, which makes it a perfect time to take the whole family with you! However, it is probably a good idea to plan out the details for your trip, especially if you are taking the family.
Erin Austen Abbott has some great tips for planning your trip in her article on Yahoo Creators. She states that planning ahead is especially a good idea if you are taking the kids. Her suggestions include planning out your route and checking what restaurants and stops you want to make along the way, booking your lodging ahead (she suggests to help your budget to plan some camping along the way as well), pack some healthy snacks and lunches, let the kids help with the planning, and make a road trip mix that the whole family can enjoy listening to—possibly including some audiobooks as well. Erin also has a great list of things to pack, one interesting one is duct tape, in case something in your car needs it or a suitcase gets ripped.
Blogger Scott Sery has his own list of things to consider when planning your Spring road trip. His suggestions include having a road trip theme, choosing the duration of your trip, and making a road trip budget.
Something else important to do before you leave, is to make sure that your car is ready for the trip as well—the last thing you want is to break down along the way from something totally preventable. Popular Mechanics has a list of things to check before you hit the road and it includes fluids, breaks, tires, and just an overall general maintenance check.
Another thing to consider before you leave is your auto insurance. Make sure you have the coverage you need. We asked Kevin Lucke, President/CEO of Mennonite Aid Plan/Mennonite Insurance Services, his thoughts on a few things you may want to consider.
Q: If you are planning a spring road trip, is there any particular kind of auto insurance coverage you need to be sure you have?
Kevin: There is nothing specific in auto insurance for a spring trip -as long as it is the US and perhaps Canada. Mexico is generally not covered, so if you are going to Mexico, you will need a Mexico tourist auto policy.
Q: Is spring a good time to check in with your agent and make sure your auto insurance needs haven’t changed?
Kevin: It is generally a good idea to check your coverage annually – does not necessarily need to be in spring, but it is good to occasionally review your coverages – especially if you had significant changes in your life.
Q: Is there anything else about your insurance you should be aware of before heading off on your trip?
Kevin: It is a good idea to make sure you have liability insurance and possibly roadside protection in case of breakdown. Most insurers offer roadside coverage at differing coverage levels. They will also usually have a network of service providers should you be in need, and they may have that contact information on the insurance ID card or their website.
Q: If you have decided to rent a car for your trip, do you get that insurance through the car rental company or is that something you can get through your regular insurance?
Kevin: Many auto policies will cover your rental car. However, you will want to make sure you have liability and auto physical damage coverage. You can also usually purchase it through the rental car company, but it is usually a more expensive option. It is always good practice to read your policy to make sure you are covered while driving a rental car.
If you have any questions about your auto insurance coverage while planning your spring road trip, Mennonite Aid/Mennonite Insurance is happy to help! You can contact them at (559) 638-2327. Happy traveling!
