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Holiday Travel Coming Up? Make Sure Your Auto Insurance Is Road-Ready

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A Seasonal Guide for Virginia Drivers from Hoppy Insurance Agency

The holidays are one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. Whether you’re driving across town to visit family or making a long road trip out of state, one thing’s for certain: your car isn’t the only thing that needs to be road-ready — your auto insurance should be, too.

At Hoppy Insurance Agency, we help drivers throughout Chesterfield and across Virginia review their policies before hitting the road. Because the last thing you want during the holidays is to deal with an accident, breakdown, or coverage issue when you’re far from home — or worse, learn that something wasn’t covered after it’s too late.

Here’s your go-to guide to make sure your auto insurance is ready for the road this holiday season.

1. Review Your Current Coverage

Many drivers only look at their auto policy when they buy a new car or get a bill — but coverage that made sense a year ago may not meet your needs now, especially with more traffic, winter hazards, and long-distance travel ahead.

Key coverages to review:

  • Liability Coverage: This covers damage or injury you cause to others. Virginia requires minimum limits, but those minimums may not go far in a serious accident.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Helps with non-collision events like theft, vandalism, falling branches, or hail damage — all of which increase during the holiday season.
  • Collision Coverage: Pays for repairs to your vehicle after an at-fault accident or a single-car incident (like hitting black ice or sliding into a pole).
  • Medical Payments Coverage: Can help cover medical bills for you or your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Protects you if the other driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough. With more people on the road during the holidays, this becomes especially important.

Not sure what you have? We can review it with you line by line — and suggest only what makes sense for your vehicle, trip plans, and risk level.

2. Make Sure All Vehicles and Drivers Are Listed

Holiday travel often means multiple drivers — college students home for winter break, adult children borrowing a parent’s car, or grandparents taking a turn behind the wheel.

If someone will be driving your vehicle and they aren’t listed on your policy (or you’re unsure if they’re covered), call us. Auto insurance generally follows the car, not the driver, but each policy is different.

Also double-check:

  • Have you changed vehicles recently and not updated your insurer?
  • Did you switch daily drivers or add a second vehicle for road trips?
  • Are you using a rental car for holiday travel? That may require a separate conversation.

Don’t assume coverage. Ask and verify before the trip begins.

3. Update Your Policy if You’ve Moved or Changed Garaging Locations

Did you move this year? Staying with family in a different zip code over the holidays? Where your vehicle is garaged or kept overnight can impact coverage and rating.

For example:

  • If your car will be parked on a city street versus a driveway
  • If you’re leaving it at an airport for a week
  • If you’ve temporarily relocated and changed primary use (like a student returning home)

Even short-term shifts in vehicle use or location should be discussed with your agent — especially if you’re traveling out of state.

4. Add or Confirm Roadside Assistance Coverage

The holidays aren’t just busy — they bring cold weather, road hazards, and long hours behind the wheel, all of which increase the risk of breakdowns, flat tires, or lockouts.

Make sure you have roadside assistance coverage in place before you go.

Many carriers offer low-cost roadside options that cover:

  • Towing
  • Battery jump-start
  • Flat tire change
  • Lockout service
  • Fuel delivery

You can also purchase standalone plans (like AAA), but we can help compare whether it’s more cost-effective to add this to your policy. If your teen or college-aged driver will be traveling separately, they may need their own coverage as well.

5. Consider Rental Reimbursement Coverage

If your car is damaged during the holidays and needs repairs, rental reimbursement coverage can save your travel plans. This optional coverage helps pay for a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop due to a covered claim.

Keep in mind:

  • Not all policies include this by default
  • Coverage limits apply (usually $30–$50 per day)
  • You’ll need comprehensive or collision coverage to qualify

If you’re heading out of town or relying on your vehicle for holiday plans, this add-on could make all the difference if something unexpected happens.

6. Know What to Do if an Accident Happens While Traveling

Accidents can be stressful even close to home. But when you’re in another city or state, everything feels harder — especially over the holidays when offices and shops may be closed.

Here’s what to do if you’re involved in an accident while traveling:

  1. Check for injuries and call emergency services
  2. Exchange insurance and contact info with the other party
  3. Take photos of damage, surroundings, and license plates
  4. File a police report (if applicable)
  5. Notify your insurance company or call your agent ASAP

At Hoppy Insurance Agency, we’re available to help guide you through what to do, no matter where you are. If your policy is with us, you can call us directly — we’ll walk you through the claim process and next steps.

7. Print Your ID Cards or Download the App

If you’re traveling during the holidays, make sure you have proof of insurance with you — especially if you’re crossing state lines. Some states still require a paper card, and not every officer will accept a screenshot or app view.

Before you leave:

  • Confirm your ID cards are up to date
  • Download your carrier’s mobile app
  • Keep a printed copy in your glove compartment

Need help printing or downloading your documents? Give us a call — we’ll email or mail them to you right away.

Final Thoughts: Peace of Mind Starts with Preparation

Holiday travel should be about creating memories — not worrying about what your insurance will or won’t cover. A quick policy review now can save you a lot of stress later.

At Hoppy Insurance Agency, we’re here to help make sure your auto coverage is ready for the road, the season, and whatever surprises may come.

Whether you’re heading up to Northern Virginia, down to the Carolinas, or just staying local around Chesterfield, give us a call before your trip. We’ll make sure you and your vehicle are fully prepared.

Safe travels — and happy holidays from all of us at Hoppy Insurance Agency.