Valentine's Day Road Trip? Check Your Insurance First

Valentine's Day is one of the most popular times for couples to hit the road for a romantic weekend getaway. A quick insurance check before you leave can save you from turning a romantic trip into a financial headache.

Does Your Car Insurance Cover Road Trips?

Good news: your personal auto insurance follows you wherever you drive in the United States and usually into Canada. Your coverage limits, deductibles, and policy terms remain the same.

What to Check Before You Leave

Roadside assistance: Check whether your policy includes it. If not, consider adding it temporarily.

Rental car coverage: Your personal auto insurance typically extends to rental cars. Many credit cards also offer rental car damage protection. Before declining the rental counter's coverage, verify both.

Coverage for personal belongings: If your belongings are stolen from your car, your auto insurance generally doesn't cover them. That's typically covered by homeowners or renters insurance.

Driving Someone Else's Car

Generally, auto insurance follows the car, not the driver. If you're driving your partner's car, their insurance is the primary coverage. Make sure both drivers are listed or that permissive use is covered.

Crossing State Lines

Your insurance travels with you across state lines. If you're in an accident in a state with higher minimum requirements, your policy automatically adjusts up. However, if crossing into Mexico, you need separate Mexican auto insurance.

Quick Pre-Trip Checklist

Verify your policy is active and paid up. Check for roadside assistance. Confirm rental car coverage if applicable. Ensure both drivers are covered. Download your insurer's app for easy access to your ID card.

The Bottom Line

A five-minute insurance check before your Valentine's Day road trip can prevent major headaches. Truvo can help you compare options and find a better fit before you hit the highway.