There's nothing quite like a good old-fashioned road trip. Unlike travelling by plane or train, taking your own vehicle allows you to travel more freely. You can play your music as loud as you want, enjoy classic road trip games, and bring all your favourite snacks! However, after packing your bags, you might feel like something’s missing – that could be the right insurance coverage. So, buckle up, and let's explore the coverage you should consider if you're planning a road trip.

Auto Insurance
Before you hit the road, it's important to understand what is and isn't covered under your auto insurance policy. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to contact your insurance broker for clarification. Consider the following questions:
 

• How many drivers will there be?
• Where are you going?
• How long will you be on the road?
• Will you drive through multiple provinces?
• Will you drive to a different country?

Once you have the answers to these questions, you can work with your broker to determine if your existing auto insurance coverage is enough for your trip. In some cases, it's not a bad idea to enhance your protection with additional optional coverage, such as an Accident Rating Waiver or a Minor Conviction Protector. Speak with your insurance broker to find the right coverage that suits your needs.

Travel Insurance
While you may have purchased travel insurance for a flight in the past, you may not be aware that you can also purchase travel insurance for road trips. Here are some reasons to consider travel insurance for your road trip:

Unexpected delays
Even with a well-planned itinerary, unexpected delays can still happen. Your vehicle might break down, there could be construction, or there might be inclement weather. These unforeseen circumstances can lead to missing out on reservations for your accommodations or admission to attractions you already paid for. In these cases, travel insurance can be very worthwhile.

Medical emergencies
In Canada, we have access to universal healthcare. However, some exclusions apply if you travel to another province or territory.¹ Travel insurance can help cover the costs not included in your provincial plan if you experience a medical emergency.¹ It’s always recommended to purchase additional coverage for unexpected medical expenses when travelling outside your home province.¹

If you’re visiting another country, such as the United States, it’s highly recommended to purchase additional coverage before leaving Canada.¹ Healthcare costs can add up quickly without proper health insurance, and travel insurance can protect you from facing a hefty hospital bill that takes years to repay.

Trip cancellation
Suppose you need to cancel your road trip at the last minute due to illness, work obligations, or any other reason; you could lose out on a great deal of money. If you prepaid for parts of your trip or have non-refundable elements, travel insurance can offer you the financial protection to recover those costs.

Home Insurance
Why should you be concerned about home insurance while on a road trip? Believe it or not, it’s important to discuss your home insurance policy with your broker before you go! Many home insurance policies include a vacancy clause, which means you can’t leave your home empty or unchecked for a specific period, often 30 days.

If you plan to be away for over a month, consider asking a trusted family member or friend to house-sit or check on your home while you’re gone. Your broker can provide more details about the vacancy clause in your home insurance policy.

Your home insurance policy may also cover the belongings you take with you on your trip. For example, if your camera is stolen from your vehicle, your home insurance policy might protect you, provided it covers your personal belongings. It may be worth considering adding to your home insurance coverage to protect your valuable items.

Road trips can be a lot of fun, but it's good to be prepared. If you're a current OTIP policyholder, contact us at 1-833-615-9329 to review your existing auto insurance policy and discuss additional optional coverage. If you’re not insured with OTIP and are shopping for auto insurance, call us at 1-833-494-0085 to get a quote and receive a $20 gift card of your choice!
 

1. Government of Canada – Trip interruption and travel health insurance