Planning ahead: 4 tips for a carefree road trip
Every spring, Canadians take to the road in great numbers, exploring their own provinces, setting out across the country, or heading south of the border. As road-trip season quickly approaches, it is the perfect time to revisit your insurance policy and ensure that you have all of the coverage you will need. The following tips will prepare you for your journey:
1. Understand your vehicle insurance
While all Canadian drivers are required to have automobile insurance, just what that entails is not always clear to them. According to a study from Western Financial Group, nine in 10 say they know exactly what to do after getting into an accident, however that alone is not enough.
Before turning the key, ask your provider if you’re covered for bodily injury, accident benefits, and emergency road service. It is imperative that you understand your policy in order to be protected, especially when traveling outside of your province or country.
2. When driving in the US, medical insurance is a necessity
Many Canadians do not carry medical insurance when driving to the United States. Even the shortest road trip to the States, such as day spent cross-border shopping comes with risks. Given the potential for exorbitant medical costs should an emergency arise, it is essential that you are covered.
3. Consider year-round travel coverage
People tend to assume that year-round travel coverage is expensive, yet never bother to truly evaluate their options. Annual policies are very affordable and ideally suited to almost everyone that travels across the border, even occasionally.
4. Pack appropriate documentation and contact information
You have the correct vehicle and travel coverage, you planned your route, and you packed your bags, so what else do you need to do? Gather all of your documentation, from up-to-date prescriptions and contact information for your insurance broker to identification for everyone in your party, including children. That way, should the need arise, you will have the correct resources do deal with any eventuality.
Now that you have the right protection, you can focus on the things that really matter, like pretty views, quirky attractions, and convenient rest stops.
By Blake Reichert
Blake Reichert is the Senior Vice President of Sales for the Prairies at Western Financial Group. In this role, Blake oversees the sales for all of Western’s branches in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Blake has been in the insurance industry for over 15 years.
