Does my auto insurance cover me in other states?

If you’re driving your own car, most policies will cover you in all 50 states and Canada. Each state has minimum coverage levels, but if you travel into a state with higher required minimums than your home state, your insurance company automatically bumps your coverage levels to meet the requirements.

Note that if you’re planning to drive into Mexico, you’ll need to purchase coverage from a Mexican insurer. Our auto insurance providers partner with admitted and authorized Mexican insurers to offer coverage options.

Can my travel companion drive my car?

Your auto insurance follows the car as long as your policy includes “permissive use,” which extends coverage to someone unlisted on your policy who uses the vehicle fewer than 12 times per year. Permissive use allows you to share driving responsibilities during a road trip.

If someone else has an accident behind your wheel, your auto insurance is the primary source of coverage for everyone involved, including the other driver. If you hit your policy’s limits, the policy held by the person driving the car will be used next.

Most policies include permissive use, but it’s best to check with your insurance provider just to be sure, especially if you plan to let someone else drive your car.

What about roadside assistance?

Look into whether your auto policy includes roadside assistance, as it can be extremely helpful if you have a problem like a flat tire, dead battery, empty gas tank, or you lock yourself out of your car. Roadside assistance can help get you back on your way.

What if I’m renting a car?

Generally, your auto insurance covers rental cars within the U.S. with the same minimum coverage limits. But be sure to review your policy to make sure there aren’t coverage gaps.

Rental companies offer customers different types of coverage, the most common being a collision damage waiver (CDW), which reduces your financial responsibility if something happens to the rental car. If you get into an accident or the rental car gets stolen, the CDW lowers your personal liability for repairs, replacement, or the diminished value of the car. It also covers other expenses like loss of use, towing, and administrative fees.

Some credit cards also provide coverage for rentals. Make sure you understand what your auto insurance and credit cards cover before you decide to purchase additional coverage on a rental car.

Before you hit the road, familiarize yourself with your auto insurance coverage and contact your insurance company if you have questions. If someone not listed on the policy will be driving, make sure you have permissive use, and consider adding roadside assistance if it’s not included and not provided by any of your credit cards.

While you’re at it, take the opportunity to ensure you’re getting the best deal on your auto insurance. Click here to see how much you could save.