Tips for Thanksgiving Travel


It’s hard to believe but Thanksgiving is here! And it’s one of the busiest days of the year for travel. AAA estimated that 54.3 million Americans will travel for this holiday and approximately 48.5 million of those are by vehicle. The roads will be busy and we want you to stay safe! You may even be renting a car to make your road trip or have once you arrive at your destination. Here are some tips on how to make your trip successful as well as how insurance coverage factors in for a vehicle that is not owned by you.

Be sure to prep your vehicle by fueling up and checking your oil and tire pressure. The Red Cross recommends always having an emergency kit with supplies such as water, a flashlight, cell phone charger, jumper cables, first aid kit and spare tire.

If you run in to bad traffic, check out the app called “Waze†for notifications or detours. And if you’re running low on fuel, “Gas Buddy†can help find the nearest station. While these can be helpful, have your passenger navigate them for you so you can avoid distractions and remain alert to the heavy traffic around you.

Often times, the auto insurance you carry on your personal vehicle will transfer over to a rental car. Sounds simple, but there are some stipulations to consider. The rental vehicle cannot be used for business. In order for your coverage to carry over, the rented vehicle must be used for personal use for 30 days or less and inside the United States.

Also, the only coverage that carries over is what you have on your own car. If you have no comprehensive and collision coverage, then you’re left without it on the rental car. Knowing this information can save you a lot of money. You can get away with not purchasing extra insurance in some cases but it may be wise to add it for the minimal cost that it is.

Stay safe and have a Happy Thanksgiving!