Thanksgiving means family, food, and for millions of Americans, a long drive to get there. It’s one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, and while the destination might be worth it, the journey can come with serious risks.
Crowded highways, unpredictable weather, and vehicles pushed beyond their normal limits create the perfect storm for breakdowns, accidents, and insurance headaches that can last well beyond the leftovers.
Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection: Don’t Ignore the Basics
Before you pack the car and hit the road, there’s more to prepare than just your playlist and snacks.
A breakdown three states away or an accident in unfamiliar territory can turn your holiday into a nightmare, especially if your car insurance coverage isn’t ready for the trip.
Start with the basics: your vehicle. That check engine light you’ve been ignoring? Now’s not the time to gamble.
Tire blowouts, dead batteries, and engine trouble spike during Thanksgiving weekend because people push aging vehicles on long-distance drives they’re not prepared for.
Check your tire pressure and tread, test your brakes, top off fluids, and make sure your lights work. A 20-minute inspection could save you from being stranded on the side of a highway in the cold.
Understanding Your Insurance Coverage for Long-Distance Travel
But even the most reliable car can’t prevent every problem. That’s where your insurance comes in, and not everyone realizes that their policy might not cover what they think it does.
If you only carry liability coverage, you’re protected if you cause an accident, but you’re on your own if your car breaks down, gets stolen, or suffers damage from something out of your control.
Comprehensive and collision coverage fill those gaps, and they’re especially critical when you’re far from home.
What to Do If You Have an Accident Out of State
Here’s what most drivers don’t think about until it’s too late: what happens if you have an accident out of state? Your car insurance typically follows you across state lines, but the claims process can get complicated fast.
Different states have different laws, and if you’re dealing with an unfamiliar police department, tow company, or repair shop, things can spiral quickly.
The key is knowing what your policy covers before you leave and having your insurer’s contact information saved in your phone.
If the worst happens, document everything. Take photos, exchange information, file a police report, and call your insurance company immediately.
Don’t wait until you get home. The sooner you report an accident, the smoother the claims process will be.
Travel Prepared This Thanksgiving
At QuoteScouts, we know that Thanksgiving is about gratitude, not stress. But a little preparation goes a long way.
Make sure your coverage matches your plans, because peace of mind on the road is worth more than any pumpkin pie. Safe travels.
