road trip | Amigo Insurance

For many people, summer is the time to pack your bags and hit the road with friends, family or solo. As for where to go, the options are endless. The United States is blessed with an impressive network of roads and byways that offer unique opportunities for exploring the country’s natural beauty.

Getting a tuneup and investing in the proper auto insurance coverage are just two ways to prepare for your road trip. You also need a solid plan that your fellow travelers will appreciate! So, whether you’re trekking from California to New York or from Las Vegas to Miami, learn about some of the most popular roads to add to your itinerary that will make your summer road trip memorable and enjoyable for everyone.

Road Tripping in the U.S.: Popular Byways and Routes to Take by Car

Ready to explore the beauty and vastness of an unfamiliar part of the country? Would you rather visit rocky mountains, sandy beaches, or something in between? It’s always wise to do a bit of research beforehand so you know what the road conditions are like, what weather to expect, where to fill up the tank and so forth.

Below are just five of the countless must-visit roads and byways that have the potential to make for a perfect summer road trip:

1. Pacific Coast Highway, California

Regarded as one of the most scenic highways in America, the Pacific Coast highway offers a jaw-dropping view of the Pacific Ocean as you make your way from San Francisco to San Diego. This route will take you through rugged sea cliffs, sandy beaches and small towns that offer incredible opportunities for sightseeing.

2. Route 66, Illinois to California

There’s a lot to say about this iconic route that runs from Illinois to California:

Encompasses over 2,400 miles of America’s heartland
Offers breathtaking views of towering mountains, quaint towns, and open skies
Is full of quirky roadside attractions
Leads to diners, motels, and gas stations that harken back to a bygone era

3. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina, and Virginia

If you are a nature lover, then the Blue Ridge Parkway is the perfect road for you. Running 469 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains, the parkway offers scenic vistas of the Appalachian Mountains, as well as rivers and wildlife. Take a break and hike one of the many trails that offer awe-inspiring views of the countryside.

4. The Great River Road, Mississippi River

Want to enjoy the scenic views of the Mississippi river? If so, head to the Great River Road. A designated National Scenic Byway, this famous road passes through ten states and offers panoramic views of the Mississippi River, waterfalls, and the rolling hills of America’s heartland.

5. The Loneliest Road, Nevada

Get ready for a unique desert experience that will take you through a journey of geology, history, and rugged beauty!

The Loneliest Road has a special appeal for folks in search of adventure. Running through the vast and barren high desert of Nevada, this multi-day road trip passes through ghost towns, sand dunes, and geothermal pools.

Get Proper Auto Insurance Coverage: Talk to an Agent Before Driving Out of State (or in Another Country)

Be sure to review your insurance policy with your insurance agent to ensure that you have the appropriate coverage for your needs. Generally, the basic components of any auto insurance plan will include these four coverage areas:

Liability Insurance
Collision Coverage
Comprehensive Coverage
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Where specifically will you be driving? States typically require motorists to carry proper auto insurance coverage, but the rules might differ from place to place – particularly if you’re headed to another country. Wherever you go, you want to be protected should an unexpected incident occur. A qualified insurance agent will let you know if there is any need to update or alter your coverage before leaving.

Once all your bases are covered, you can get behind the wheel and let the adventure begin!

At Amigo, our agents can help you compare quotes and find the best deal before hitting the road. They will guide you toward an excellent auto insurance plan that covers all your needs, no matter where you’ll be. Give us a call today to find out more!

A long road in the desert. The sky is blue with clouds, and the surrounding dry landscape is orange.

When it comes to getting ready for a long road trip, there are many things vehicle owners need to think about. This is a good time to get the car tuned up, and the oil changed. It is also a good time to discuss the needs for new tires.

Aside from this, it also pays to invest some time into updating your auto insurance. The simple step of calling your car insurance agent and adjusting your policy may be able to provide you with exceptional benefits and lots of protection.

What You Need to Consider

Before a long trip, speak to your auto insurance agent about your current coverage. Here are a few things to talk about first.

Contact your auto insurer. Inquire about added protection your car may benefit from when you travel out of state. Discuss any concerns you may have.
Do you have enough insurance to cover your vehicle from collisions, storm damage, theft and vandalism? Now is a good time to invest in comprehensive and collision insurance. These types of coverage can help you
You may wish to up your liability insurance. Having the bare minimum insurance is not always enough for high risk driving like this.

Your agent may make suggestions to you as well. The key here is to be sure you have a considerable amount of protection against the most likely risks.

Think About the Extras, Too

There are various ways to customize your auto insurance to better meet your needs. For example, you may wish to choose insurance that also adds towing coverage. That way, you do not have to worry about an accident that leaves you stranded in an area that you are not familiar with.

Discuss the options for added protection for your belongings, too. For example, you may be carrying a great deal of belongings with you. This might include your electronics. It may also include any valuables you purchase on the road. The thing is, your car insurance might not cover these items. You might have to turn to your homeowner’s or renters insurance for protection. Ask your agent how to handle such claims should damage to belongings occur.

Every driver needs to make wise decisions before hitting the road. With auto insurance, it usually takes just a phone call to your agent. He or she will work with you to better understand your needs and goals. You will see just how easy it can be to modify your policy to better fit your goals and the current risks. Call us today for a Chicago auto insurance quote.