Summer Driving Risks: Road Trips, Distracted Driving, and Rental Car Coverage 

Summer is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. Whether you’re heading to Lake George for a weekend getaway, taking a family road trip across New York State, or simply spending more time on the road around Mechanicville, Stillwater, Saratoga, and the Capital Region, increased driving means increased risk. 

Before you pack the car and hit the road, it’s important to understand how your auto insurance coverage can help protect you from common summer driving hazards. 

Why Summer Is One of the Riskiest Times to Drive 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic fatalities typically increase during the summer months due to higher traffic volumes, vacation travel, construction zones, and an increase in teen drivers on the road. 

Summer driving risks often include: 

• Heavy holiday traffic 

• Distracted driving 

• Road construction delays 

• Severe weather 

• Tire blowouts and vehicle breakdowns 

• Unfamiliar roads and destinations 

For drivers throughout Saratoga County and the Capital Region, these risks can turn a fun summer trip into an expensive insurance claim. 

Road Trip Insurance Checklist 

Before taking a long drive, review your auto insurance policy to ensure you have adequate protection. 

Liability Coverage 

Liability insurance helps pay for injuries or property damage you cause to others. New York State requires minimum liability limits, but many drivers find that higher limits provide better protection. 

Collision Coverage 

Collision coverage helps pay to repair your vehicle if you’re involved in an accident, regardless of fault. 

Comprehensive Coverage 

Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision losses such as: 

• Theft 

• Vandalism 

• Falling objects 

• Animal strikes 

• Storm damage 

Roadside Assistance 

Roadside assistance can be especially valuable during summer travel. Coverage may include: 

• Towing 

• Battery service 

• Lockout assistance 

• Flat tire changes 

• Fuel delivery 

If you’re planning a trip to Lake George, the Adirondacks, or other destinations where help may not be immediately available, roadside assistance can provide valuable peace of mind. 

Distracted Driving Remains a Major Threat 

One of the biggest dangers on today’s roads isn’t speeding or bad weather. It’s distraction. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies distracted driving as a leading cause of accidents across the United States. 

Common distractions include: 

• Texting 

• Using GPS devices 

• Eating or drinking 

• Adjusting vehicle controls 

• Interacting with passengers 

Just a few seconds of distraction can dramatically increase the likelihood of a crash. 

In addition to the safety risks, an at-fault accident caused by distracted driving can lead to: 

• Higher insurance premiums 

• Loss of safe-driver discounts 

• Potential legal liability 

The best approach is simple: put the phone away and focus on the road. 

What About Rental Car Coverage? 

Many summer vacations involve renting a vehicle. One of the most common questions insurance agents receive is: 

“Do I need to buy the rental company’s insurance?” 

The answer depends on your existing coverage. 

In many cases, your personal auto policy extends coverage to rental vehicles used for personal travel. 

If you carry collision and comprehensive coverage on your own vehicle, those coverages may also apply to a rental car. 

However, there can be important gaps. 

Potential uncovered expenses may include: 

• Loss-of-use charges 

• Administrative fees 

• Diminished value claims 

Before declining rental car coverage, it’s a good idea to speak with your insurance agent and understand exactly what your policy covers. 

Tips for a Safer Summer on the Road 

Before your next road trip: 

• Schedule a vehicle maintenance check 

• Inspect your tires 

• Review your insurance coverage 

• Pack an emergency kit 

• Minimize distractions while driving 

• Understand your rental car coverage before traveling 

A little preparation can help prevent major headaches later. 

Protect Your Family All Summer Long 

Whether you’re commuting through Mechanicville, heading to Saratoga for a day trip, or vacationing at Lake George, having the right auto insurance coverage can make all the difference when the unexpected happens. 

At The Connors Agency, we help drivers throughout Mechanicville, Stillwater, Saratoga County, and the Capital Region review their coverage and identify potential gaps before they become costly problems. 

If you’re planning summer travel, now is a great time to review your auto insurance policy and make sure you’re ready for the road ahead. 

Sources 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Insurance Information Institute (III)