As the holiday season arrives, the roads in Hollywood and across Broward County get much busier with shoppers, tourists, and travelers visiting family. This spike in traffic, combined with drivers who are often distracted or traveling unfamiliar routes, makes the period from Thanksgiving through New Year’s one of the most dangerous times to drive. To protect your family and your finances, you need to make sure your auto insurance policy is fully prepared for the higher risk that comes with holiday travel. This quick guide from Finney Insurance Corporation will help you review the essential coverages you need to confirm before you hit the road.
- Why Do Auto Accidents Increase So Much During the Holidays?
- What are the main causes of holiday crashes in Florida?
- Which Insurance Coverages are Critical for Holiday Road Trips?
- Should I raise my Liability Coverage before I travel?
- Is Collision and Comprehensive Coverage still necessary?
- What About Medical Expenses if I or My Passengers Get Hurt?
- Does my PIP cover everything if I'm injured out of state?
- Is There a Way to Protect Myself from Uninsured Drivers?
- What exactly does Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage pay for?
- What Else Should I Add to My Policy for a Road Trip?
- Holiday Travel FAQs
- Conclusion
Why Do Auto Accidents Increase So Much During the Holidays?
Auto accidents and corresponding insurance claims increase during the holidays primarily because of three factors: heavy congestion, impaired driving, and distraction. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles data shows that November and December see a notable spike in motor vehicle crashes (Source: Pittman Law Firm, P.L.). This surge aligns perfectly with both snowbird arrivals and intense holiday travel.
What are the main causes of holiday crashes in Florida?
The main causes that lead to an increased risk of an auto insurance claim during the holiday season are:
- Increased Traffic Volume: Highways and local shopping areas are packed with cars. This congestion leads to more rear-end collisions and multi-vehicle pile-ups, which are complicated and costly to resolve.
- Impaired Driving: Sadly, celebrations often involve alcohol, and the holidays see a significant increase in impaired driving incidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 30% of serious car accidents during the holiday season involve alcohol (Source: RRBH Law).
- Unfamiliar Drivers: South Florida is a holiday magnet for tourists and seasonal residents (“snowbirds”). These drivers are often unfamiliar with local roads, leading to sudden braking, slow maneuvers, and navigation errors that catch local drivers off guard.
- Distraction and Fatigue: Drivers are often stressed, focused on shopping lists, answering holiday texts, or simply fatigued from long-distance travel, making them less focused on the road.
Which Insurance Coverages are Critical for Holiday Road Trips?
The standard liability minimums required by Florida law are not enough to protect you during the high-risk holiday season. Since the risk of severe, multi-car accidents is higher, you need robust protection for both the other party and yourself.
Should I raise my Liability Coverage before I travel?
Yes, raising your Liability Coverage limits is the most important step you can take before holiday travel. Liability coverage protects your assets if you cause an accident, paying for the other driver’s injuries (Bodily Injury) and property damage. Given the high cost of medical care and vehicle repairs, the minimum Florida requirements (which only cover Property Damage Liability) are often too low.
- Hypothetical Example: You are at fault for a chain-reaction accident on I-95 in Broward County. The injuries and car damage for the three other vehicles total $300,000. If your policy only has a $100,000 liability limit, you are personally responsible for the remaining $200,000, which can lead to a lawsuit against your savings and home equity. Raising your limits to $300,000 or $500,000 provides a far better financial shield.
Is Collision and Comprehensive Coverage still necessary?
Yes, Collision and Comprehensive Coverage are essential for holiday travel, as they protect your own vehicle, regardless of who is at fault.
- Collision Coverage: This pays for damage to your car if you hit another vehicle or object (like a light pole in a busy holiday parking lot). Without it, you pay for your own car repairs.
- Comprehensive Coverage: This covers non-collision events that are common risks during the holidays, such as:
- Theft and Vandalism: Car break-ins for gifts left visible in your vehicle spike during the shopping season. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) notes that vehicle thefts can rise on the days surrounding the holidays (Source: Garrett Insurance)
- Weather Damage: Damage from severe storms, falling tree limbs, or hail (even in Florida) is covered.
- Theft and Vandalism: Car break-ins for gifts left visible in your vehicle spike during the shopping season. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) notes that vehicle thefts can rise on the days surrounding the holidays (Source: Garrett Insurance)
What About Medical Expenses if I or My Passengers Get Hurt?
Even though Florida requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which covers medical expenses for you and your passengers regardless of fault, you should confirm your coverage limits and consider adding Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage for extra protection.
Does my PIP cover everything if I’m injured out of state?
Your Florida PIP coverage does travel with you if you drive out of state, but it has limits (usually $10,000) that can be quickly used up in a serious accident. If you’re traveling long distances with family, MedPay is a valuable addition. MedPay has no deductible and can pay for medical bills that exceed your PIP limit or fill in gaps for medical care if an accident happens (Source: EINSURANCE).
- Key Consideration: Since holiday travel involves many passengers (family), MedPay can cover the medical expenses for everyone in your car up to the limit, regardless of fault, providing immediate financial relief during a stressful time.
Is There a Way to Protect Myself from Uninsured Drivers?
Yes, absolutely. With the increase in traffic during the holidays, there is a higher chance of being involved in an accident with a driver who has insufficient or no auto insurance at all. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage is your financial safeguard against this risk.
What exactly does Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage pay for?
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if an at-fault driver either has no liability insurance (Uninsured) or has coverage limits that are too low to cover your expenses (Underinsured).
- Example: You are hit by an uninsured driver and suffer $150,000 in medical and lost wage expenses. Without UM/UIM coverage, you would have to sue the at-fault driver—who likely has no assets—or pay the remaining costs yourself. UM/UIM steps in to pay you up to your policy limit, acting like the at-fault driver’s insurance should have (Source: Truskett Law).
What Else Should I Add to My Policy for a Road Trip?
Is Roadside Assistance worth the extra cost?
Roadside Assistance is highly recommended for holiday travel. It is a low-cost add-on that provides invaluable peace of mind. A breakdown far from Hollywood is stressful enough without having to track down a tow truck and pay for it out-of-pocket.
Roadside assistance typically provides 24/7 services, including:
- Towing (up to a set distance).
- Jump-starting a dead battery.
- Changing a flat tire.
- Fuel delivery if you run out of gas.
Do I need extra insurance for my gifts and luggage?
Your auto insurance does not cover personal items (like holiday gifts, luggage, or a new laptop) that are stolen from your vehicle or damaged in an accident. Your Homeowners or Renters Insurance policy typically extends to cover your personal belongings, even when they are traveling with you. Make sure you know your deductible and contents limits for that policy before you go (Source: VIU by HUB).
Holiday Travel FAQs
Does my auto insurance cover me if I travel out of Florida?
Yes. Your personal auto insurance policy typically covers you and your vehicle in all 50 U.S. states and Canada. The coverages and limits on your Florida policy will apply wherever you drive. However, if you plan to travel to Mexico, you will likely need to purchase a separate, short-term Mexican auto insurance policy (Source: Progressive).
What if I rent a car for my trip?
Your personal auto insurance policy’s Liability, Collision, and Comprehensive coverages usually extend to most rental cars you drive within the U.S. and Canada. However, they may not cover all fees charged by the rental company (like “loss of use” fees). It’s best to call Finney Insurance to confirm your specific policy’s coverage for rentals.
If I leave my car running to warm it up, is it covered if it’s stolen?
If you leave your car running with the keys in the ignition and it is stolen, your Comprehensive Coverage will pay for the loss. However, many insurance companies may deny the claim or reduce the payout because you failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the loss. It is never a good idea to leave a running car unattended, especially during the holidays when theft rates are higher (Source: Matic).
If I let my cousin drive my car on the trip, is he covered?
In most cases, yes. Your auto policy typically covers any licensed driver you give permission to drive your vehicle, which is called “permissive use.” However, if that person lives with you, they must usually be listed on your policy. Always confirm with your agent if you plan to let an unlisted driver operate your vehicle for an extended period.
Conclusion
The holidays are a time for joy and connection, not unexpected insurance claims. With Florida roads experiencing some of the highest traffic volumes and accident spikes during the holiday season, being prepared is your best defense against financial disaster. Simply verifying your policy limits now can save you massive headaches and costs later.
Don’t let holiday travel be a risk! Contact Finney Insurance Corporation today. Our local Hollywood, FL agents will quickly review your current auto policy, confirm you have adequate Liability and UM/UIM limits, and make sure you hit the road with complete confidence. Call us or visit our office to ensure your auto insurance is ready for your safe holiday journey!
