New Bedford Car Insurance Tips: How to Pack for a Road Trip

One of the most challenging jobs associated with planning a major road trip is figuring out what to pack and how to get it all to fit in your car. Your MA auto insurance agent at Borden Insurance wants you to have a safe and happy trip, whether you are staying right here in New England or driving across the country. Learning how to pack for your trip can help you to feel more confident and ensure that you don’t forget anything important. Your auto insurance policy and trusted insurance agency in New Bedford can provide you with the protection and assistance you need while out on the road. Make sure to review your current New Bedford car insurance before you leave on any trip, updating contact information and anything that might be relevant to your coverage.

Make a List – Check It Twice

That Santa Claus knows what he’s doing. Start by making a list of all the things that you will need on your road trip. Essentials, such as prescription medication, which must be transported in the original prescription bottle with your name and information on it, as well as supplements or anything else health related should go at the top of your list. If you have children, make sure to prepare for any eventuality, such as upset stomachs, fevers, seasonal allergies, and bring along some Benadryl for everything from bug bites to skin rashes.

Create your list from the tips listed below and before you pack the car, check that everything has been properly packed and that you know where it is. Bring your list with you and then check every bag, duffel, backpack, or suitcase off as you load it into the vehicle. This list can be used during the trip as well to make sure you don’t leave behind anything important. You don’t want to get halfway home just to realize that you forgot something that cannot be replaced.

How Much Can You Pack?

Every vehicle has a limit on the amount of “stuff” that can be loaded into it and still operate safely. Make sure that you don’t block your visibility so you won’t increase blind spots during your trip. It is important to find out how much combined weight can be added to your vehicle for passengers and cargo. If you don’t and you accidentally overload your car, it could be dangerous. In most cases, the maximum capacity of your vehicle will be approximately 800 pounds, but to be sure, look on the inner panel of the driver’s door. There should be a sticker from the manufacturer that states the maximum capacity for your specific vehicle.

If you think you might be approaching the safe limit for passengers and cargo, consider using a scale. You can weigh each bag, suitcase, and backpack to ensure that you don’t go over the limit. Don’t forget to take into account each passenger, along with car seats and activity bags for kids. You might be wondering what we mean when we say that it could be “dangerous” if you overload your vehicle. See the list below for some examples. If you need other safe travel tips, contact your MA auto insurance agent at Borden Insurance Agency in New Bedford. We can go over your current auto insurance policy and make sure that you have adequate coverage for New Bedford car insurance before you leave on your trip.

Some of the reasons why overpacking a vehicle for a trip is dangerous can include:

• your wheels could bulge out due to the excess weight and heat up, increasing your risk for a blowout
• the suspension system could be under stress and might not be able to handle faster highway speeds effectively, which could cause the suspension to give way over time
• brakes aren’t as effective when they have more weight than safely allowed
• steering ability is reduced in an overloaded vehicle, making navigation around bends or staying straight in highway lines difficult
• loss of control can occur if you hit an obstruction, such as a pot-hole or piece of trash
• fuel costs will increase substantially with more weight in the vehicle
• your auto insurance policy might not cover any damages if it is determined that an accident occurred due to excessive overloading beyond the manufacturer’s recommendations

Call Your MA Auto Insurance Agent

If you are planning a road trip this summer, make sure that your New Bedford car insurance policy is up to date. Borden Insurance Agency in New Bedford can help you make sure that you have the coverage you need at a price you can afford. We can give you a FREE quote on a new auto insurance policy in the Greater New Bedford area, and we can also help you make necessary changes to your contact information, deductibles, and more. Call today at 508-999-3636 and speak with one of our friendly agents.