Smart questions. Better answers. Smoother trips.
You’ve packed your bags, planned the route, and even made a playlist. Everything’s ready for your trip… right?
Almost.
Before hitting the road, most drivers forget one critical step: reviewing their insurance. Many assume they’re fully covered, until something unexpected happens and they realize they never asked the right questions. And by then, fixing gaps often means stress, delays, or surprise costs.
This insurance agent checklist helps you ask the right questions before you travel, so your coverage works when you actually need it.
1. Does My Coverage Follow Me Across State Lines?
In most cases, yes. But it’s not always that simple.
Each state has different minimum insurance requirements. If you’re driving from a state with lower minimums into one with higher limits, you could find yourself underinsured without realizing it.
Example:
Samantha from New Jersey took a road trip to Ohio and was involved in a minor accident. Ohio’s higher liability minimums meant her policy didn’t fully align, leading to extra paperwork and delays.
This is one of the most important questions on any insurance agent checklist and takes just minutes to confirm.
2. Am I Covered for Towing and Roadside Assistance?
Breakdowns don’t care about timing or location.
Ask whether your policy includes roadside assistance and, more importantly:
- Are there mileage limits?
- Do you need to call a specific number?
- Does coverage apply far from home?
Quick tip:
If you already have roadside coverage through a credit card or AAA, make sure you’re not paying twice for the same service.
If you’re planning a longer drive, this general road trip safety guide pairs well with this checklist: https://quotescouts.com/road-trip-safety-tips/
3. Does My Insurance Cover Rental Cars?
Even if you don’t plan to rent, circumstances change.
Breakdowns, repairs, or last-minute upgrades can put you behind the wheel of a rental. Not all policies cover rental cars the same way.
Real scenario:
Luis from Texas assumed his policy covered rentals. After an accident in a rental sedan, he learned his plan covered liability only. Collision damage cost him nearly $900 out of pocket.
Ask clearly:
- What type of coverage applies?
- Does my policy cover rental cars?
4. What Happens If I Need Medical Care Away From Home?
Medical coverage varies widely.
Some auto policies include MedPay or PIP. Others rely on health insurance, which may have out-of-network or out-of-state limitations.
If you’re traveling with family, kids, or older passengers, this question becomes even more important. Knowing how medical expenses are handled can prevent serious complications after an accident.
5. Does My Policy Reflect How I Drive Today?
Driving habits change, but policies often don’t.
Maybe you:
- Drive fewer miles
- No longer commute daily
- Mostly take weekend or seasonal trips
- Added safety features or took a defensive driving course
Example:
After retiring, David realized he was driving far less. A quick policy review revealed a low-mileage discount, saving him over $200 a year.
If it’s been more than a year since your last review, this question belongs on your insurance agent checklist.
6. Are There Discounts or Benefits I’m Missing?
Many drivers qualify for discounts without knowing it.
You may be eligible based on:
- Age (especially 50+)
- Safe driving history
- Bundled home and auto policies
- Military or professional affiliations
QuoteScouts helps surface these opportunities by comparing policies from top-rated insurers, without pressure or upselling.
If you’re unsure whether your policy still fits your vehicle’s value, this guide explains why that matters: https://quotescouts.com/how-much-is-my-car-worth-2025/
Why This Insurance Agent Checklist Matters
A road trip should be something you look forward to, not something you stress about.
Asking these questions before you travel protects more than your car. It protects your time, your budget, and your peace of mind.
Because the worst part of a roadside emergency isn’t the inconvenience.
It’s realizing you could’ve prevented it with a five-minute conversation.
A Final Thought from QuoteScouts
We’re not here to sell you more coverage than you need.
We’re here to help you understand what you already have and show you where small adjustments can make a meaningful difference.
Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a cross-country drive, QuoteScouts helps you check your coverage quickly, clearly, and without guesswork.
Got five minutes? That’s all it takes to run through this insurance agent checklist before your next trip.
