Summer in Iowa means road trips. Long weekends, family vacations, drives up to Minnesota or down to Kansas City. More miles on the road means more exposure — and for a lot of Iowa drivers, more exposure than their current auto policy was designed for.

Most people set up their auto insurance once and forget about it. But your coverage needs in June look different from your coverage needs in January. And if something goes wrong on a summer road trip, you want to know your policy is actually ready.

What Your Auto Insurance Covers on a Road Trip

The good news is that most standard auto insurance policies follow you across state lines. If you are driving from Des Moines to Chicago or down to the Ozarks, your Iowa auto policy generally provides the same coverage you have at home.

But there are a few things worth understanding before you hit the road.

Liability coverage follows you but at Iowa minimums. If you are involved in an accident in a state with higher minimum liability requirements, your policy may automatically adjust to meet that state’s minimums. But if your Iowa liability limits are already low, you may still be underprotected even with that adjustment.

Rental car coverage is not automatic. If your car is damaged in an accident during a road trip and needs repairs, you will need a rental to get home and get around. Rental reimbursement coverage is an optional add-on that many drivers skip. Without it that rental comes out of your pocket.

Roadside assistance is not standard. A breakdown on I-80 at 10pm is stressful enough without figuring out how to pay for a tow. Roadside assistance is typically an inexpensive add-on but it has to be specifically included in your policy.

The Teen Driver Summer Risk

Summer is the highest risk season for teen drivers. School is out, there is more free time, and more miles being driven — often without the structure of a school schedule to keep things predictable.

If you have a teen driver in your household and they are not properly listed on your policy, a claim involving them could be denied or create significant complications. Make sure your teen is listed correctly and that your liability limits reflect the added risk that comes with a newer driver.

This is also a good time to ask your agent whether a telematics program or good student discount applies. Both can reduce your premium while keeping coverage strong.

What Happens If You Lend Your Car

Summer gatherings mean someone sometimes needs to borrow your vehicle. Your auto insurance generally covers permissive use — meaning someone you give permission to drive your car is covered under your policy.

But there are limits. If the person borrowing your car has their own insurance, their policy typically responds first. And if they are involved in a serious accident, your policy could be affected. It is worth knowing how your policy handles permissive use before you hand over the keys.

Three Things to Check Before Your Summer Road Trip

Pull out your declarations page and check these three things before you head out.

First check your liability limits. Iowa state minimums are low. If you are involved in a serious accident on a road trip the minimum limits may not be enough to cover the damages and the remainder comes out of your pocket personally.

Second confirm whether you have rental reimbursement coverage. It is usually only a few dollars a month to add and it matters a lot when you actually need it.

Third check your roadside assistance coverage. If it is not on your declarations page it is not included.

A Free Policy Review Before You Hit the Road

If you have not looked at your auto insurance in the last year a quick review before summer travel season is worth doing. Coverage needs change. Vehicles change. Drivers in your household change.

At Sands Insurance we do free policy reviews for Iowa drivers. No pressure, no obligation. We look at what you have, tell you where you stand, and if there is something worth adjusting we show you the options.

Reply to this post, send us a message, or give us a call before your next road trip.

Scott Sands Sands Insurance — Ankeny, Iowa 515-965-2429 | scott@sands-insurance.com | sands-insurance.com