How to Protect Your Car While on Vacation

Before you hit the road, make sure your vehicle is ready for the distance, the weather, and the extra load that often comes with vacation travel.

• Prepare your car for a road trip
  A quick inspection can help you avoid delays or breakdowns. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread (remember to check the spare tire too!). Top up essential fluids such as engine oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid and check that your lights and battery are functioning properly. If you're attaching a hitch or trailer to your car, check that it, and all the items inside, are secure.
  
  
• Pack for safety and comfort
  Bring a few essentials to help you and your passengers stay safe and comfortable on the road, such as an emergency kit, phone charger, drinking water, and weather-appropriate items. And of course, don't forget to bring some road trip snacks!
  
  
• Plan your route and rest stops
  Long drives can increase fatigue and reduce reaction time. Planning your route in advance and scheduling regular breaks can help you stay alert and aware of road conditions ahead. It's also a good idea to load the maps for your destination on your GPS or mapping apps in advance.
  
  
• Review your car insurance before you travel
  Your car insurance applies across Canada and the U.S., but before travelling, take some time to review your coverage details, deductibles and make adjustments if necessary.

If you have auto insurance with TD Insurance, take advantage of the following benefits available to you:

Grand Touring Solution

Even with the best prep, accidents and breakdowns can happen while you're travelling. Grand Touring Solution can help cover unexpected expenses like hotel stays or meals after a covered accident while you're away from home, may waive your deductible in certain hit-and-run situations, and can help with the costs of towing and emergency roadside service in the event of a breakdown.

Convenient 24/7 access to your insurance coverage through MyInsurance

If you're a TD Insurance customer, you can easily access your coverage information, anytime. Through MyInsurance or the TD Insurance Mobile App, you can review your policy details and download a copy of your pink card to your phone, so you have what you need on hand.

Car claims made easy

Car accidents can be stressful but making and tracking a claim doesn't have to be. You can start a claim using our mobile app and if you're registered for MyInsurance you can track your claim status online. Learn more about how to make a claim after a car accident.

Preferred rates on travel insurance

We have a range of insurance options to help protect you and your family from unexpected medical costs while away and we provide 24/7 emergency assistance. TD Insurance home and auto insurance customers get preferred rates on travel insurance. You can get up to $10 million in coverage with our emergency travel medical insurance plan.  For more details or to get a quote, visit us here.

If your vehicle is not coming with you, a few simple precautions can help protect it while it's not in use.

• Choose a safe parking location
  A garage is ideal, but if that's not an option, choose a well-lit area to deter thefts. Be mindful of local parking rules or restrictions if your vehicle will be parked in a public space for an extended period.
  
  
• Remove valuables and important documents
  Take personal items, electronics, and sensitive documents out of your vehicle to reduce the risk of theft and protect your information while you're away.
  
  
• Use a key fob protector
  You'll want to keep your car keys someplace safe and out of sight but consider using a key fob protector to store them too. Key fob protectors are signal-blocking storage cases that help prevent thieves from using signal-boosting technology to unlock your car.
  
  
• Keep your insurance active while you're away
  Even when parked and not in use, vehicles can still be at risk of theft, vandalism, or weather-related damage. Keeping your car insurance active helps protect your vehicle while you're away.
  
  
• Review your rental car and additional coverage options
  If you're a TD Insurance customer with an auto policy, check whether your policy includes rental car coverage through Grand Touring Solution. Also, if you hold an Umbrella policy under your homeowner's insurance, that coverage may extend to provide added liability protection when you're driving within Canada and the U.S. or rent a car anywhere in the world.

If you won't be driving your vehicle for 45 days or more, TD Insurance auto customers can temporarily pause road-required coverages while maintaining protection for risks like theft or vandalism through a Suspension of Coverage.

To avoid gaps in protection, set a calendar reminder to reinstate your coverage before you return. TD Insurance auto customers can pause or reinstate their car insurance at their convenience using MyInsurance or through the TD Insurance Mobile App.

Wherever you're headed, we hope you have a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved vacation. Enjoy every mile or moment of it!