Heading Out West? How to Prepare Your Car, Your Home, and Your Insurance Before You Go

Let me start by saying congratulations! A long drive out west, with stops at beautiful national parks, interesting cities, quirky roadside attractions, and places that deserve more than a quick visit? Sounds quite fabulous.

I’m more than a little jealous of anyone who has the opportunity to take such a trip, but with that opportunity comes planning and preparation. The days of climbing into a VW van and heading west without thinking about anything other than the next sunrise have pretty much ended. You’re an adult now, and adulting calls for planning. Here are some suggestions on how to go about it.

1. Review Your Auto Insurance Before You Leave

This is my area of expertise, so naturally, I’m starting here.

Before you embark on a lengthy road trip, make certain your auto insurance provides adequate protection. When was the last time you reviewed your liability limits? Do you have comprehensive and collision coverage? What about uninsured and underinsured motorist protection? This isn’t the time to skimp on coverage. In fact, depending on your current policy, it might be the perfect time to consider increasing your limits.

What happens if your car breaks down hundreds of miles from home?

Roadside assistance can be especially valuable when you’re traveling through unfamiliar territory. Towing, flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts can turn an otherwise wonderful adventure into a stressful experience.

Review your coverage before you leave, not after something happens, and if you have any questions, you know what to do. Yes, call me

2. Give Your Car a Thorough Checkup

Your car is about to work harder than it probably does during your usual trips around Long Island. Take it to a trusted mechanic and have the entire vehicle inspected.

Pay particular attention to your tires, brakes, fluids, battery, belts, hoses, and cooling system. If something is getting close to needing repair or replacement, now is the time to address it, and don’t forget your spare tire, assuming your vehicle has one.

The last thing you want is to discover that your tires aren’t up to the challenge while driving through a remote stretch of highway.

3. Prepare Your Home for Your Absence

How you prepare your home depends on whether someone will be staying there, or the house will be empty.

If you’re leaving it unoccupied for several weeks, be sure to take some precautions. Check that your plumbing, electrical systems, heating, and air conditioning are in good working order. Arrange for someone you trust to check on the property, collect mail, and make certain everything looks normal. Consider using timers for lights and avoid announcing your extended absence on social media.

It’s also worth reviewing your homeowners insurance. Some policies have specific provisions concerning homes left vacant or unoccupied for extended periods. Make certain you understand what applies to your home.

4. Don’t Depend Entirely on Technology

We all know that technology is fabulous until it isn’t.

Your Google Maps may work perfectly in New York, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have reliable cell service while driving through remote sections of Wyoming, Montana, or Utah. Download offline maps before leaving and consider bringing along some good old-fashioned paper maps. No need for WIFI to access them!

Know where you’re heading, keep an eye on your fuel level, and don’t assume the next gas station is just around the corner, because sometimes it isn’t.

5. Pack an Emergency Kit

Even with the best preparation, unexpected things happen. Keep a well-stocked emergency bag in your trunk that includes:

• First-aid supplies and necessary medications

• Bottled water and nonperishable snacks

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter

• Blankets and extra clothing

• Phone chargers and a portable power bank

• Reflective triangles and an emergency safety vest

• Basic tools and tire-changing equipment

• Paper maps and emergency contact information

• 
  

By the way, this is a great idea even if you’re not driving a long distance. The same things can happen close to home, too.

6. Know What Happens If Your Car Needs Repairs

Imagine being a thousand miles from home when your car decides it’s had enough. Do you have rental reimbursement coverage? If so, when does it apply, and what are the limits?

Rental reimbursement generally applies to covered insurance claims, not routine mechanical breakdowns. Roadside assistance and trip interruption benefits also vary by policy.

Understanding these distinctions before leaving can save considerable frustration later.

Go Enjoy Yourself!

The more preparation and planning you do before leaving, the more comfortable you’ll feel when you finally hit the road.

Chances are everything will go smoothly, and you’ll return with wonderful photographs, great stories, and memories that last a lifetime, but as my mom always said, better safe than sorry.

Before you head west, give me a call.

I’m Christina Shaw, your Allstate insurance agent, and I’d be happy to review your auto and homeowners coverage to help make certain you’re properly protected.

A thorough review can help you concentrate on the important things, like deciding which national park to visit first, where to stop for dinner, and just how many sunsets you can fit into one fabulous trip. Safe travels!

Christina Shaw = Insurance Agent + Wantagh + Long Island + New York