As we trade our snow shovels for beach umbrellas, there’s an eagerness to get back out on the highways and do some exploring or plan that destination vacation we’ve been putting off for the past few years. And we might just be hitting the road this year more than ever before. Outdoorsy, a company that connects RV travelers, found that 91% of the people they surveyed said they are planning on taking a road trip in 2022. 

If you’re planning to jump into your family car or rent a vehicle to travel, we have some important tips to help you travel safely this summer.

1. Give your vehicle a tune-up: inspect the radiator, belts, hoses, fluid levels, tire pressure, battery, and lights, and change the oil and filter, if needed.
2. Be prepared for emergencies: pack an emergency kit that includes jumper cables, tire repair/spare tire, flares, first aid kit, road maps, cell phone charger, water and non-perishable food. 
3. Safety first: ensure proper safety restraints for all occupants, don’t drive while tired, stop for stretch and hydration breaks, avoid distractions from electronic devices, and keep an eye on the weather to avoid driving in unsafe conditions. Most importantly, don’t drink and drive!
4. Protect the things you leave behind: keep your home safe while you’re away by alerting a friend or neighbor about your travel plans, put a hold on your mail or have a neighbor collect it for you, turn off the water supply to toilets and washing machines, and unplug appliances.

It’s also important to check with your local Rockingham Insurance agent if you plan on renting a vehicle, including recreational vehicles such as mopeds or golf carts.

“Planning a getaway or road trip is a lot of fun, but before getting out on the road, we want to ensure our clients are covered with the right auto insurance,” said Eddie Sitzler, Rockingham Insurance Agent. “We’ll check the auto policy to see if it covers things like roadside assistance, accident forgiveness and rental reimbursement coverage if they need separate coverage for a recreational vehicle,” said Sitzler.

We want your summer road trip to be fun, exciting, and most importantly – safe. Connect with your local Rockingham Insurance agent so you can be prepared this summer. Who knows, your agent might even hold your mail for you. Just kidding.