USAgencies

Planning a holiday road trip? Great! Are you a little concerned about getting the cheap auto insurance quotes you need to make it happen? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. You might also be concerned about moving about while the pandemic is still happening.  

We have some tips aimed at keeping drivers safe while on the road. When it comes to cars and road trips, we’ve been there and done that — especially with the unique needs of drivers in Alabama and Louisiana. So, let’s make sure that the road trip is fun and hassle-free. 

Can a Cheap Car Insurance Quote Help Me in Alabama or Louisiana? 

In a word, yes. A qualified insurance advisor can provide you with cheap car insurance quotes for Alabama or Louisiana — even when you have a less-than-perfect driving record. We’re the experts when it comes to getting people the coverage they need. 

You must have liability insurance to drive anywhere (including at home) legally. If you are in an accident that is your fault, liability insurance provides financial help to the other people in the accident and covers both property damage (damage to the other car) and bodily injury (in case someone dies or needs medical assistance) up to the dollar limits of the policy. 

Alabama sets forth the following amounts as the minimum allowed auto insurance liability coverage: 

• $25,000 for death or bodily injury to one person 

• $50,000 for death or bodily injury to two or more persons 
• $25,000 for damage or destruction of property (i.e., damage to a vehicle) 

Louisiana sets forth the following amounts as the minimum allowed for auto insurance liability coverage: 

• $15,000 for death or bodily injury to one person 
• $30,000 for total death or bodily injury to two or more persons 

• $25,000 for damage or destruction of property (i.e., damage to a vehicle) 

If this feels a little confusing, no worries! We’ll help you get back on the road and where you want to go for the holidays. 

Should I Get My Car Checked by a Mechanic Before I Leave on a Holiday Road Trip? 

This depends upon the age and condition of your car, but it is a good idea. Make sure that you know the route and mileage you will be putting on your vehicle. At a minimum, check to see if you need the oil changed and that the belts, brakes, and tires are in good condition. 

 If your car is making any “scary noises” or you know that it has necessary maintenance coming up soon, have it checked out by a qualified mechanic. If it seems to be running fine, hit the road after a quick oil and windshield wiper fluid top off and the safety checklist that many drive-in places have available. The peace of mind will be well worth it. 

What Should I Pack for a Holiday Road Trip in a Pandemic? 

What you will need to pack will depend on where and how far you are driving, whom you will be visiting, and what fun activities you have planned for after you get there. From a safety standpoint, find out the expected road conditions and weather conditions in advance.  

If you are traveling from balmy Alabama or Louisiana to visit your relatives in the frigid North, you could be in for ice and snow. Tires that are in good condition are key, but so is having a few things with you like jumper cables in case your battery dies, a flashlight, a cell phone charger that you can use in your car (and a power bank in case your car has no power), a blanket, and some bottled water. You will want to be able to stay comfortable, and problem solve if something comes up. 

Pack all the clothes, personal items, and gifts you will need for your trip, but make sure that you can see fully out of all windows and the back of the car when it is loaded. Make sure and start well rested and plan on taking breaks whenever you need them to stay alert. 

Will I Need Masks and Hand Sanitizer Where I’m Going? 

Maybe, so make sure to have them with you. News about COVID-19 not only seems to change from week to week, but different areas of the country can also have completely different vaccination levels and infection levels. When in doubt, keep you and yours safe.  

Have a handy supply of masks in your car and with you in a pocket, purse, or backpack. Hand sanitizer is just good to have with you on any road trip. You never know exactly where you may need to take a rest stop or whether that restaurant or gas station restroom will be out of soap. 

What Happens If My Car Breaks Down? 

Try to stop in a safe place if you can — somewhere well lit and well-traveled. Along with acquiring affordable car insurance, roadside assistance can go a long way to giving you peace of mind and helping in the event of either a big or small emergency. If you must get your car repaired during your road trip, try to get referrals for a good mechanic from a local if you can.  

Family and friends can be invaluable in situations like this — chances are they know either an individual or a company they trust. Having emergency money available on a debit or credit card during a holiday road trip is critical. Hopefully, you won’t need to access it, but it can help keep you safe and traveling down the road if you do. 

Can Cheap Car Insurance Quotes Help Me if I Get Pulled Over? 

Isn’t this every Southerner’s nightmare? You leave your (warm!) home to visit friends or family for fun and frivolity, and then you see flashing lights in your rearview mirror. First, don’t panic. Since you already made sure to have proof of your valid driver’s license, mandatory liability insurance, and car registration before you left, you can calmly pull over to the side of the road, leave your lights on if it is dark outside, put your car in park, turn off the engine, and then speak to the officer.  

For great car insurance that won’t break the bank, get a quote online, visit one of our offices, or call USAgencies at (800) 420-3712 today.