Nobody wants their vacation interrupted by an accident. Your question makes me think of a client with a crack in her windshield. Although she was advised to repair the windshield she chose to wait as she had an upcoming family vacation. While on the trip, she was driving her vehicle with her daughter in the passenger seat, she had to make an abrupt stop. The windshield came crashing in on her and her daughter causing major injuries. Unstable windshields and unrepaired cracks spread quickly and can cause injuries like those sustained by my client and her daughter, or even death.
If your vehicle collides with another vehicle, (including motorcycles, RV’s, etc.) object, tree, guardrail, or fence, collision coverage can help to repair or replace the damages. Please note that collision is required if you finance or lease your vehicle. Other items that fall under under collision coverage include damage resulting from you and your vehicle colliding with or doing damage to a street sign, pothole, mailbox, house, garage or phone pole. Collision coverage also comes into play if you overturn your vehicle, or are involved in a hit-and-run accident. These accidents do not have to occur on the road, they can also cover fender benders in parking lots and driveways.
Nugget: If you have collision coverage and you rent a vehicle, your collision will cover the rental vehicle. If you do not have collision coverage, the rental company will require you to carry their collision coverage while you drive their vehicle.
Taking preemptive measures can help avoid claims altogether. I think Founding Father Benjamin Franklin said it best when he wrote a letter beginning with the opening line “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Insurance companies receive claims everyday related to accidents, theft, vandalism and glass damage that could have been prevented if addressed ahead of time.
Let’s examine some things you can do to maximize safety and possibly save time and money.
Ensure your auto policy is active/up to date. Across the country, many individuals spend months planning a vacation, and don’t bother to make sure their auto coverage is in effect, will remain in effect through their trip, or review their coverages, and any needed endorsements, such as towing & labor, additional drivers, etc. I knew of many insured’s whose coverage got cancelled while on vacation due to non-pay/failure to renew. The big deal in this situation is not necessarily the fine you will receive from the DMV, it is the HUGE risk in driving without any protection. No bodily injury protection, no comprehensive, no collision coverage, leaving you liable for any at fault damages, and open to a lawsuit.
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