Millions of families hit the road between Thanksgiving and New Year’s to see loved ones, attend church gatherings, and celebrate together. Holiday travel also brings winter weather, busy highways, unfamiliar roads, and extra drivers in the household. Before you pack the car, take a few minutes to make sure your auto insurance is ready for the trip.

Review Your Coverage Before You Go

Many people carry auto insurance for years without looking closely at what their policy covers. Before a long trip, check:

• Liability limits. These cover damage or injuries you cause to others. State minimums may not be enough to protect your savings if a serious accident happens.
• Collision coverage. This helps pay to repair your car after an accident with another vehicle or object.
• Comprehensive coverage. This generally covers damage that isn’t from a collision with another car, such as hail, falling branches, theft, and hitting an animal.
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This helps protect you if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
• Your deductible. Make sure you could comfortably pay it if you needed to file a claim during the trip.

Not sure what your policy includes? AGCU Insurance offers free coverage checkups.

Watch for Deer on the Road

Fall and early winter are peak season for deer activity in much of the country, including Missouri and the surrounding states. Collisions are most common around dawn and dusk. If you hit a deer, damage is typically covered under comprehensive coverage rather than collision, so check that your policy includes it.

To lower your risk, slow down in wooded areas, use high beams when it’s safe, and remember that where there’s one deer, there are often more.

Prepare for Winter Weather

Snow, ice, and freezing rain can change road conditions quickly. Before you leave:

• Check the forecast along your whole route, not just at home and your destination
• Test your battery, tires, wipers, and heater
• Pack an emergency kit with blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight, a phone charger, and an ice scraper
• Keep your gas tank at least half full

Ask your agent whether roadside assistance is available on your policy. It can be a big help if you’re stranded far from home.

Renting a Car? Know What’s Covered

If you’re flying and renting a car at your destination, your personal auto policy may extend some coverage to the rental, but that depends on your policy. Before you’re at the rental counter deciding whether to buy extra coverage, check with your agent. If your own car will be in the shop after an accident, ask whether rental reimbursement coverage is available too.

College Students Home for Break

If your college student comes home for the holidays and drives the family car, make sure they’re properly listed on your policy. How students are covered can depend on whether they live at home, how far away their school is, and whether they have a car at school. A quick call to your agent can clear up any questions. Good student discounts may also be available.

Lending Your Car to Family

Holiday visitors sometimes need to borrow a car. In many cases, insurance follows the car, which means your policy may be the one responding if a guest has an accident while driving it. Before you hand over the keys, make sure you’re comfortable with that and know what your policy covers.

Keep Your Documents Handy

Keep your insurance card, your agent’s contact information, and your roadside assistance number in the car and on your phone. If you have an accident, move to a safe place, call for help if anyone is hurt, take photos, exchange information with the other driver, and contact your insurance agent as soon as you can.

Get a Free Coverage Checkup Before You Travel

AGCU Insurance offers more than 20 types of coverage, along with discounts like multi-car, multi-policy, new car, paperless, and good student. If you live in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, or Texas, request a quote, call 866-508-2428 or 417-447-9356, or email insurance@agcu.org. Outside those states, visit the AGCU InsuranceAisle website or call 866-397-4086.

For more ways to review your coverage, see our tip on making an insurance check-up part of your year.

This article is for general information only. Coverage depends on your policy and state. Talk with a licensed insurance agent about your specific coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does car insurance cover hitting a deer?

Hitting a deer is typically covered under comprehensive coverage, not collision. If you only carry liability coverage, damage to your own car usually isn’t covered.

Does my auto insurance cover a rental car?

Your personal auto policy may extend some coverage to a rental car, but it depends on your policy. Check with your agent before your trip so you know whether to buy extra coverage at the counter.

Do I need to add my college student to my car insurance?

If your student drives your car, they should be properly listed on your policy. How they’re covered can depend on where they live and whether they have a car at school, so ask your agent.

Am I covered if a family member borrows my car?

In many cases, insurance follows the car, so your policy may cover a guest driving it. Coverage varies by policy, so check before lending your car.