Holiday Travel Liability: How Your Auto & Home Policies Behave When You’re Out of Town

Understanding Holiday Travel Risks

The holiday season brings excitement—and unique risks—when you leave home for family gatherings or winter getaways. Whether you’re driving across state lines or flying to a distant destination, it’s crucial to know how your auto and home insurance policies respond while you’re away. This knowledge helps you avoid costly surprises and ensures you’re protected against the unexpected.

Holiday travel means busier roads, unpredictable weather, and a higher risk of accidents. Here’s how your auto insurance works when you’re out of town:

• Liability Coverage: Pays for injuries or property damage you cause to others in an accident. This is especially important during the holidays, when crowded roads increase accident risks.
• Collision Coverage: Covers repairs to your own vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault. Essential for icy roads and congested parking lots.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against non-collision events like theft, vandalism, or weather damage—common risks during holiday shopping and travel.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Covers your expenses if you’re hit by a driver with little or no insurance—a risk that rises during the holidays.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments: Helps pay medical bills for you and your passengers, no matter who’s at fault.
• Roadside Assistance: Offers towing, jump-starts, and more to keep your trip on track if you break down.

Tip: Before you travel, review your policy limits and deductibles. Carry your insurance documents with you, and consider adding temporary coverage if your current policy doesn’t fully address holiday risks.

If you rent a car for your holiday trip, your existing auto insurance may extend to the rental. However, coverage varies by policy and location. Many credit cards also offer rental car protection, but always confirm details before declining the rental company’s insurance.

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers repairs if the rental is damaged or stolen.
• Liability Coverage: Protects you if you cause injury or damage while driving the rental.

Leaving your home unattended during the holidays can expose it to risks like burglary, fire, or weather damage. Here’s how home insurance companies in Newington, CT typically respond:

• Theft and Vandalism: Most home insurance policies cover losses from break-ins or vandalism while you’re away, but you must take reasonable precautions (like locking doors and using security systems).
• Fire and Weather Damage: Your policy continues to protect your home from fire, wind, or snow damage, even if you’re not there.
• Personal Liability: If someone is injured on your property while you’re gone, your home insurance’s liability coverage can help with medical bills or legal costs.

Important: Some policies have exclusions if your home is left vacant for extended periods. Notify your insurer if you’ll be away for more than a few weeks to avoid coverage gaps.

• Review Your Policies: Check coverage limits and exclusions for both auto and home insurance.
• Update Emergency Contacts: Make sure your insurer can reach you while you’re away.
• Secure Your Home: Use timers for lights, pause mail delivery, and inform a trusted neighbor.
• Document Valuables: Take photos or videos of your belongings in case you need to file a claim.

Choosing home insurance companies in Newington, CT, ensures you get advice tailored to local risks—like winter storms or regional crime trends. Local agents can help you review your policies, recommend coverage enhancements, and provide fast support if you need to file a claim during the holidays.

Holiday travel should be joyful, not stressful. By understanding how your auto and home insurance policies behave when you’re out of town, you can travel with peace of mind. For personalized guidance, contact D.M. Johnson Insurance Agency—your trusted partner among home insurance companies in Newington, CT.

Protect your holidays. Review your coverage today with D.M. Johnson Insurance Agency—your local insurance experts.