Planning a Road Trip or Vacation?
12 Juin 2007 - 12:36PM
PR Newswire (US)
Guard against car hassles with a few smart precautions SPRINGFIELD,
Ill., June 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Nothing can ruin your vacation like
problems on the road. A breakdown, accident or vandalism can put
the kibosh on your planned good times. However, these problems can
be minimized if you plan ahead. "Before hitting the road, take some
time to check your auto insurance and your car's running condition.
Also, consider joining a motor club or review your club's benefits
if you've already joined one," says Doug Reynolds, executive vice
president, insurance operations of The Horace Mann Companies, which
provides insurance to educators and offers motor club services
through Cross Country Motor Club. Get your insurance information in
order. If you're in an accident, having your auto insurance
information readily available will save you time and hassle. Make a
special point to bring your current auto insurance card showing
dates of coverage with you on vacation. This is important whether
you are driving your own car or plan to rent one. If you plan to
rent, bring your coverage declarations with you as well. Check them
to see if your auto insurance covers you in a rental vehicle -- and
any others in your family who may be driving. Having this
information with you will help you decide whether to buy rental car
insurance. If you plan to drive in a foreign country (especially
outside of Canada or Mexico), there's a good chance you will need
to purchase rental car insurance. Also, check to see if your auto
policy covers emergency "roadside assistance" services. Consider
the benefits of a motor club. Even if your auto insurance provides
roadside assistance, it may be wise to enhance these services by
joining a motor club. The benefits provided by these clubs are
becoming more comprehensive and high-tech. In addition to providing
repair and towing services for flat tires, dead batteries and other
problems, these plans sometimes provide services such as
computerized maps and trip routing, as well as lost keys retrieval
and bond and legal defense reimbursement. Motor clubs also can
offer gas coupons and travel-related discounts (rental cars and
lodging), as well as dining and entertainment discounts. In
addition to being provided by traditional motor clubs, these
benefits are offered through affinity groups and insurance
companies such as Horace Mann. "It's important to carefully compare
club features including roadside assistance limits and number of
members covered so that you can match your plan with the needs of
you and your family," says Cathleen Sweeten, Horace Mann's director
of business development and analysis. Speed of response is another
important factor. For example, Cross Country Motor Club, Horace
Mann's motor club partner, has a nationwide network of 20,000 tow
trucks, mechanics and service stations and will be able to reach
you within 30 to 45 minutes, on average. Do preventive maintenance
before your trip. Before taking your road trip, change your oil,
check your tire wear and battery, and attend to any nagging
problems your car may have. For enhanced safety, check your brakes,
lights, wipers, hoses and belts. During the summer, pay special
attention to your air conditioning system and cooling system, since
overheating is a common cause of breakdowns. In case of
emergencies, carry a cell phone, first-aid kit, flares and a
flashlight in your car. Attending to these matters before your trip
will make them less likely to spoil your vacation fun. Horace Mann
-- the largest national multiline insurance company focusing on
educators' financial needs -- provides auto and homeowners
insurance, retirement annuities, life insurance and other financial
solutions. Founded by educators for educators in 1945, the company
is headquartered in Springfield, Ill. For more information, call
your local agent or visit http://www.horacemann.com/. DATASOURCE:
Horace Mann CONTACT: Marilyn Titone Schaefer of Horace Mann,
+1-217-788-5744 Web site: http://www.horacemann.com/
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