MA Auto Insurance Tips: Planning a Road Trip for the Holidays?

Before you go dashing in the snow or drive over the river and through the woods, make sure to take some time to prepare for safe holiday driving. Your Massachusetts auto insurance company at Borden Insurance wants to help you arrive at your destination safely. As your local insurance agency in New Bedford, we have lots of tips and ideas that you can use to make your holiday travel go a lot smoother. Need a new auto insurance quote? Give us a call to speak with an experienced MA auto insurance agent to update your policy, get a quote for a new vehicle, or to upgrade your coverage.

Prepare for the Trip: Essential Car Services

While you might be great at maintaining your car throughout the year, many vehicle owners tend to get a little lax when it’s cold and snowy outdoors. However, this is the most critical time of the year to keep everything clean and running as it should. Visit your local dealership or mechanic to get all routine maintenance, tune-ups and fluid check-ups done before you go. Consider getting a multi-point inspection to check for leaks, worn out hoses, minor repairs, and safety updates that need to be done. You can also check for any recalls using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to make sure that all critical safety updates have been completed.

Snow Driving on the Highway: Know Your Vehicle

If you routinely drive on city streets and around local neighborhoods in New Bedford during the winter, you likely have some knowledge about how your vehicle handles the slippery roads. Driving on the highway can be a lot different, so it pays to do a little practicing before you take off on your trip. Practice in empty parking lots to become familiar with all of the safety features on your vehicle. Slippery conditions can be improved by using traction control features, but only if you know what you are doing. Remove all snow, ice, dirt, and debris from your windows all around the vehicle to increase visibility and utilize headlights, backup camera options, and sensors to your advantage.

Pack for Safety: Common Items to Put in the Trunk

You should at least have a shovel, a broom, and an ice scraper in the trunk of your vehicle to help get you out of a jam. Additional supplies should include sand or kitty litter, which can help free you if you get stuck somewhere in the snow. A flashlight, flares or other warning devices and emergency markers, jumper cables, and emergency chargers for cell phones are all great options to include. Enough water and emergency food for you and all of your passengers, along with any necessary medications and first-aid items, are also a good idea even if you are just driving across the state. Blankets to provide protection from the cold and instant hand-warmer products are nice to have in case of emergency.

Create a Travel Plan: Don’t Drive Blind

Take time to plan the travel route that you will take and share it with someone, so they will know where you are going and how you will be getting there. Check the weather and road conditions ahead of your trip so you can avoid certain areas if necessary. Give yourself a lot of extra time for travel just in case there is a lot of traffic, increased weather conditions, or an accident. Go over all of the maps and directions that you will be using even if you plan on using GPS through your vehicle or on your phone. Check-in with family and friends to provide an anticipated arrival time for holiday celebrations, so they know when to start worrying if you don’t get there.

Fill That Tank: Don’t Drive on Low Fuel

Money can be tight around the holidays and travel is expensive, but make sure to keep the tank full when you drive. A good rule of thumb is not to allow the tank to get less than half full at any time during the winter so you’ve got a way to get from point A to point B with the heater on even if you can’t locate a gas station. Consider using a gas station locator app before you leave to make strategic stops throughout your trip.

Check Your Massachusetts Auto Insurance

Stop by Borden Insurance to meet with one of our MA auto insurance agent experts to discuss your current policy. Make sure you have enough coverage through our insurance agency in New Bedford to cover your vehicle. Brand new cars often require full coverage insurance, but if you fully own your vehicle, you have the option to insure at the state minimum. Unfortunately, this may not be enough to protect you from liability or make necessary repairs if you get into an accident. Go over all of your coverage needs or get a new auto insurance quote by calling 508-999-3636.

Happy holidays and safe driving wishes from everyone here at Borden Insurance!