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Summer in the Piedmont Triad is a time for adventure. From road trips to the Blue Ridge Mountains to weekends at High Rock Lake, North Carolinians know how to make the most of the warmer months. But before you pack your bags and hit the road, it’s crucial to ensure your insurance coverage is ready for whatever summer throws your way. At Blue Paper Co., we want to help our neighbors in High Point, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem enjoy a stress-free season. This checklist will guide you through the essential insurance considerations for all your summer plans.
Heading Out on a Summer Road Trip? Check Your Auto Insurance First.
North Carolina’s scenic highways are calling. Whether you’re planning a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or a trip to the Outer Banks, your auto insurance is your first line of defense. Before you go, review your policy to understand your coverage. While you must meet North Carolina\'s minimum auto insurance requirements, summer travel often calls for more than the bare minimum.
Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
These are optional in NC, but highly recommended, especially for road trips. Collision covers damage to your vehicle in an at-fault accident, while comprehensive covers non-collision events like theft, vandalism, or even hitting a deer on a country road – a real possibility in our state. Imagine a hailstorm suddenly rolling through the mountains; our recent article on hail damage and your roof highlights the kind of unexpected weather that can happen.
Liability Limits
Summer roads can be crowded, increasing the risk of accidents. If you cause an accident, your liability coverage pays for the other party\'s medical bills and property damage. If your limits are too low, you could be personally responsible for the excess amount. Consider increasing your limits or adding an umbrella policy for an extra layer of protection. It\'s a smart way to safeguard your assets, and you can often save by bundling your auto and home insurance.
Roadside Assistance
Don’t let a flat tire or dead battery derail your vacation. Adding roadside assistance to your auto policy is an inexpensive way to get peace of mind. It typically covers towing, jump-starts, locksmith services, and more.
Mind the Gap: Understanding Rental Car Insurance
If you’re flying to your destination and renting a car, you’ll be faced with a choice at the rental counter: buy their insurance or decline it? The answer depends on your personal auto policy and the credit card you use to pay for the rental.
Personal Auto Policy
In many cases, your existing collision and comprehensive coverage extends to a rental car. However, there can be gaps. For example, your policy may not cover “loss of use” fees, which the rental company charges for the time the car is being repaired. Review your policy or call us at (336) 203-0000 to be sure.
Credit Card Benefits
Many credit cards offer rental car insurance as a perk. However, this is almost always secondary coverage, meaning it only kicks in after your primary auto insurance has paid out. It also may not cover all types of vehicles or have other restrictions. Relying solely on a credit card can be risky.
The Rental Counter Insurance (CDW/LDW)
The Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) offered by the rental company is expensive, but it provides primary coverage and eliminates most of the potential gaps. For a completely worry-free trip, it might be worth the cost. Our coverage comparison guide can help you weigh the pros and cons of different options.
Beyond the Road: Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
Travel insurance is designed to protect you from financial losses when you’re on vacation. It’s especially important for expensive or international trips. A comprehensive travel insurance policy can cover:
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Reimburses you for prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel or cut your trip short for a covered reason (like a sudden illness or family emergency).
- Medical Emergencies: Your U.S. health insurance may not cover you abroad. Travel medical insurance is essential for international travel.
- Lost or Delayed Baggage: Provides reimbursement for lost luggage and essentials you need to buy while your bags are delayed.
The Dog Days of Summer: Teen Driver Risks
Summer is often when teens get their driver\'s licenses or have more free time to drive. Unfortunately, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers. If you have a young driver in your household, it’s a critical time to reinforce safe driving habits and review your insurance.
Adding a teen to your policy will increase your premium, but it’s non-negotiable. Ensure you have adequate liability limits to protect your family’s financial future. Talk to your teen about the dangers of distracted driving, speeding, and driving with friends. A clean driving record is the best way to keep insurance costs down over time.
Lake Life: Insuring Your Boat and Watercraft
For many in the Piedmont Triad, summer means heading to High Rock Lake, Belews Lake, or Lake Norman. Your boat or personal watercraft (like a Jet Ski) needs its own insurance policy. A boat insurance policy is different from your auto or homeowners policy and covers:
- Physical Damage: Covers your boat, motor, and trailer from damage or theft.
- Liability: Protects you if you’re at fault in an accident that injures someone or damages their property.
- On-Water Towing and Assistance: Like roadside assistance for your car, this can be a lifesaver if you break down on the water.
Don’t assume your homeowners policy provides adequate coverage. Most offer very limited, if any, coverage for watercraft. We also cover other summer toys like ATVs and motorcycles.
Home Safe Home: Protecting Your Property While You’re Away
An empty house can be a target for burglars. Before you leave on vacation, take steps to make your home look occupied and reduce the risk of other issues, like water damage.
Deter Theft
Use timers for lights and a radio, pause your mail and newspaper delivery, and arrange for someone to mow your lawn. A smart home security system can provide alerts and video monitoring right on your phone. Many insurance companies, offer discounts for monitored security systems.
Prevent Water Damage
A burst washing machine hose or a slow leak can cause catastrophic damage if you’re not home to catch it. Consider shutting off the main water supply to your house before you leave for an extended trip. A great tool to prepare for this is our Home Inventory tool to document your belongings.
Review Your Homeowners or Renters Insurance
Make sure your personal property coverage is sufficient to replace your belongings in case of theft or damage. If you have valuable items like jewelry or art, you may need to schedule them separately. For those in a condo, your association\'s policy has specific limits, so a personal condo policy is vital. Don\'t forget your renters insurance if you\'re not a homeowner.
Your Summer Insurance Checklist
- Review Your Auto Policy: Check your liability limits and consider adding collision, comprehensive, and roadside assistance.
- Understand Rental Car Coverage: Know what your personal policy and credit cards cover before you get to the rental counter.
- Evaluate Travel Insurance: For big trips, especially abroad, get a quote for a comprehensive travel insurance policy.
- Talk to Your Teen Driver: Reinforce safe driving habits and ensure they are properly insured on your policy.
- Insure Your Watercraft: Get a separate policy for your boat or Jet Ski. Don’t rely on your homeowners insurance.
- Secure Your Home: Take steps to deter theft and prevent damage while you are on vacation.
- Update Your Home Inventory: Use our Home Inventory tool to create a digital record of your possessions. It’s invaluable in case you need to file a claim.
- Check Your Umbrella Policy: Summer activities can increase your liability risk. An umbrella policy is an affordable way to add millions in extra protection.
- Know Your Storm Risk: Summer brings thunderstorms and the start of hurricane season. Review our Storm Prep and Disaster Recovery guides.
- Schedule a Policy Review: The best way to ensure you’re prepared is to talk to an expert. A quick chat can identify potential gaps in your coverage.
Your Local Insurance Partner
Summer should be about making memories, not worrying about insurance. The team at Blue Paper Co. is here to help you navigate your coverage options and find the right protection for your family’s needs and budget. As your local insurance agency in High Point, we’re proud to serve our community. Call us today at (336) 203-0000 for a free, no-obligation policy review and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're protected.