Road Ready: Essential Car Insurance Tips for Adventure Travelers

Car insurance is important for anyone who owns a vehicle. But if you're an adventure-lover who enjoys regular road trips, ensuring you have the right insurance premiums is even more critical for your vehicle's safety and your own. 



Using your car for adventure and exploration means putting it under more stress than the average commuter's car, prompting the need for more comprehensive coverage. However, if you're not a brokerage expert or the idea of sorting through different car insurance policies makes you want to bury your head in the sand, a little advice and guidance can go a long way. 



Below, we've put together nine tips for finding car insurance that protects your trusty car and yourself while you're exploring the world on four wheels . 



Driving near Telluride, CO (photo: Tanner Marquis)


Auto Insurance Advice



1. Understand Your Current Insurance Policy 



Before you start frantically searching for a new insurance plan that suits your road-tripping and frequent traveler lifestyle, try to understand what your current policy covers to make an informed decision about what needs to change—if anything. Chances are, aspects of your current policy already work for your circumstances, and identifying them can help you choose your next one with more precision. Talk to your provider about your current plan to better understand what you have at present. 



2. Consider Your and Your Car's Needs



A Range Rover doesn't need the same insurance as a Tesla. Different cars have different needs, and even you, as the driver, can influence what kind of coverage you may need. Spend some time thinking about what you and your car could benefit from in car and travel insurance. Consider driving experience, route terrain you frequent, car size, car lifespan, and the level of risk you expect to put yourself and your vehicle under in upcoming trips. 



3. Consult a Broker



Unless you have extensive personal experience in the world of insurance premiums, finding the best deal can be daunting. That's where a professional opinion comes in. Brokers can explain insurance options and hear you out about what you're looking for and what works within your budget. You can also take that opportunity to ask as many questions as you like about car insurance, especially for long-distance, regular road travel. 



If you plan on living a digital nomad lifestyle , you should also check what cover they offer for vehicle break-ins and theft. As a digital nomad, you'll likely be driving with your laptop and any other work-related equipment in tow, which has an added risk. Talk to a broker about your travel regularity and the coverage you want, and let their expertise inform your decision. 



4. Choose the Most Comprehensive Option You Can Afford 



Driving off-road (photo: Will Truettner)


There are lots of different car insurance options available. Some plans offer only basic coverage for damage to your vehicle or weather damage, while others extend to third-party damage, theft, and accidental damage. Ideally, you want to find an option covering as many of these issues as possible while spending the least money. The longer the list of incidents or problems your insurance premium covers, the more protected you and your car will be. 



5. Talk to Other Frequent Roadtrippers About Their Plans 



If you're feeling lost, that's okay—as an adventurer, you're probably familiar with the sensation. But while solo travel can be an incredible and rewarding experience to push through, insurance navigation is not something you need to do alone—this time around, help from others is highly recommended. 



Talk to friends, family, and community members about the insurance they've chosen for their vehicle to gather information and make an informed decision. You can also check travel forums, blogs, and other online resources to learn more, ask questions, and get valuable input from other roadtrippers. 



6. Prioritize Roadside Assistance Benefits 



Even if you have extensive experience fixing your vehicle (but especially if you don't), it's always a good idea to prioritize roadside assistance as part of your car insurance criteria. Breakdowns, break-ins, accidents, and the unexpected can happen anywhere and at any time, and when you're far from home, you may not know where to find assistance, especially if you are in a remote spot or it's late at night.



When comparing car insurance quotes , ensure that you include comprehensive roadside assistance for as many issues as possible. Everything from flat tires to fender benders or worse can be scary to deal with alone, and knowing that help is just a phone call away can make a world of difference. 



7. Opt for a Zero-Depreciation Plan 



All assets depreciate over time, including your car. The problem with that when it comes to insurance is that vehicles used for numerous road trips depreciate faster, which can increase the amount of money you spend on insurance. A zero-depreciation plan means that your car can receive repairs and upgrades without its age or level of depreciation being taken into account. 



8. Bear Local Limitations in Mind 



Pit stop on the Valley of Fire Highway in Nevada (photo: Sven D)



Many car insurance plans only cover damages if they occur within a specific geographical area. For example, some plans only cover cars in the United States, and if you cross the Canadian or Mexican border, your cover falls away. The further away you are from home, the less likely you will get coverage for an accident, incident, or issue. Ideally, you want a plan that covers you no matter where you are, so the further it extends, the better. 



When picking out an insurance plan, consider local limitations and ask questions about what happens when damages occur outside of them. If possible, ask if you adjust your plan when traveling outside your usual region to ensure you're covered across borders. Some carriers allow you to bolt on a temporary premium to ensure you're covered while traveling. 



9. Read Car Insurance Ratings and Testimonials 



It's normal to feel unsure whether the insurance plan you're opting for is right for you. But that's where ratings and testimonials come in. Read up on reviews online from customers who've insured their cars for road trips to ensure you get a better idea of which providers are the best suited. 



You can generally trust consumers' opinions , which is why ratings and reviews can be so helpful. Use the insights you encounter to identify which plans best accommodate the regular road-tripper and make a choice you feel comfortable with. 



Enjoy safer, more rewarding journeys with the right car insurance .



Car insurance is non-negotiable for road-trippers, travelers, digital nomads, and anyone else who is regularly behind the wheel exploring the world. With these tips, you can ensure you have the right coverage and can enjoy your on-the-road adventures with peace of mind.



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This story is published in partnership with Allstate.
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