rac travel insurance faq

FAQs centre

Included as standard:.

• 24/7 Emergency Helpline
• Cancellation & cutting short your trip
• Driving Holiday Pack
• Covid-19 Protection

So we can then direct you to the right information, please select below where you bought or are looking to buy your travel insurance policy.

Please select where you bought or are looking to buy your travel insurance policy.

If you can’t find the answer, speak to one of our agents via the 'Chat with Us' button. We're here Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm.

Managing my policy

I have not received my insurance documents, what should I do?

If you haven't received an email from us with instructions on how to register for our online customer portal and view your travel insurance documents, please email us at [email protected] . We'll email you your documents within 1 working day. Please note, for data protection reasons, we can only send the documents to the email address provided at point of sale.

I want to cancel my policy

You can speak with one of our agents via the 'chat with us' button or email [email protected] to cancel your policy. We'll give you a full refund if you cancel within the 14 days of the receipt of your documentation and you've not started a trip, made, or intend to make a claim.

Please note, for data protection reasons, we can only cancel a policy if the request is made via the same email address used to purchase the policy.

What happens if my medical conditions change after I have purchased a policy?

If any of your details change then you'll need to contact us on 0330 159 0405 as soon as possible to update your policy.

If your details have changed and you travel without informing us of the changes then we may be unable to honour any claims which arise.

How do I amend my policy or change/extend my travel dates?

If you want to amend any of your personal details, you can speak with one of our agents via the 'chat with us' button.

If you want to make a change to your travel insurance cover, including changing your dates or extending your trip, please contact our team on 0330 159 0405 . Please note, any amendment on your policy may result in a change in premium.

COVID-19 Cover

What is included within your COVID-19 and Enhanced COVID-19 cover?

Our Standard COVID-19 cover is included within all RAC Travel Insurance policies at no extra charge. It provides you with:

• Cancellation if you've a COVID-19 diagnosis within 14 days of your departure.
• Emergency medical treatment and repatriation if you contract COVID-19 abroad.

Enhanced COVID-19 cover is available for an extra charge on policies purchased through the RAC Travel Insurance website only. It costs £11 for single trip and £15 for an annual multi-trip which covers everyone on the policy. To add it simply select the 'Enhanced COVID-19 Cover' when you get a quote.

The Enhanced COVID-19 Cover Add On includes:

• Full cover if you visit Europe even when the FCDO advises against all but essential travel if the advice solely relates to COVID-19.
• Cancellation due to self-isolation if you’re contacted by UK Test and Trace System.
• Cancellation if you've an adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Cancellation for incomplete COVID-19 vaccinations due to illness.

COVID-19 cover is only available to customers who have taken vaccinations when offered to them.

Do I need to have received my COVID-19 vaccine to be covered under your policy?

To be covered, you need to have received all doses of the COVID-19 vaccine that you've been offered, including any booster jabs. You'll also be covered if you can't have the vaccine due to a medical exemption. If you've refused any doses of the COVID-19 vaccine or any booster jab, then you won't be covered for COVID-19 related claims.

Who is covered?

Do you family policies cover children over the age of 18?

Our family travel insurance covers up to 2 adults and up to 5 children under the age of 18. If your children are 18 years or over, you may want to consider buying a group annual multi-trip policy. We can only offer this type of policy over the phone, so please call us on 0330 159 0405 , Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, excluding Bank Holidays.

If I buy a couple, family or group annual multi-trip policy, can I travel alone?

You can travel alone on all our travel insurance policies if you're 18 years of age and over.

Does RAC Travel Insurance have an age limit?

If you purchase your policy through the RAC Travel Insurance website, we have no upper age limit for single trip policies. For our annual multi-trip cover you must be aged 80 or under at the start of the policy period.

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18 named on the insurance policy for the duration of the trip.

Are the benefit limits per person under the policy?

The benefits, limits and excesses within your policy are per person, per claim. Therefore, if you've a family or group policy, the limits and excesses will be for each of you individually.

The airline I am travelling with has cancelled my flight due to staffing issues, am I covered?

When an airline cancels a flight, you're entitled to certain refunds and compensation from the airline.

We ask that before you contact us in relation to costs arising from the recent spate of flight cancellations, that you first directly approach your airline, tour operator or packaged holiday organiser.

If you're unable to get a refund or compensation from any of the above companies and you paid for your trip with a credit card you may also be able to recover your costs through section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act or via a 'chargeback claim'.

How do I make a claim before or after my holiday or when I am abroad?

You can contact us on the following numbers should you need assistance abroad or to make a claim before or after your holiday:

• Medical emergency assistance (24 hour) +44 (0)1403 289 148 If in the USA or Canada call +1 844 780 0663 or if you're in Mexico, please call 00 1 819 780 0662
• Claims, excluding gadget and financial failure: call 01403 289 151 or email [email protected]
• Financial failure claims: call 0345 266 1872 or email [email protected]
• Gadget claims: call 0330 880 1751 or email [email protected]

What is covered?

What kind of travel insurance do I need?

This will all depend on what you want to be covered for and who you're travelling with. You may want to consider how much your holiday has cost you and whether you've any pre-existing medical conditions that you could potentially need emergency treatment for abroad.

If you're only planning to travel once in a year, then single trip travel insurance could be more appropriate for you. Single trip policies do cover you to travel to multiple destinations, but you'll need to ensure that you advise us of all destinations when you get a quote.

If you're planning to go on holiday more than once in a year, then annual multi-trip travel insurance could be more cost effective and save you having to take out a new policy each time you travel. You'll also be covered for cancellation from the start date of your annual multi-trip policy, offering you value and peace of mind from the start.

You should ensure that each of the holidays you're planning will be covered by the policy you've selected.

What do your policies offer?

The benefits, limits and excesses within your policy are per person, per claim. Therefore, if you've a couple, family or group travel insurance policy, the limits and excesses will be for each of you individually.

You can find a full list of what our policies offer in our policy wording .

What is the maximum trip duration I can take?

For annual multi-trip cover the maximum trip duration is 62 days for Orange and Silver cover and 92 days for Black cover. Trips within the UK are covered when you've pre-booked accommodation for a minimum of 2 nights.

For single trip cover, the maximum trip duration 94 days.

Do I need the extra gadget cover to insure my gadgets?

All policies offered via our RAC Travel website provide you with gadget cover as standard. The amount of cover will vary depending on what cover level you purchase. All benefits are per person, per claim.

If you think you'll need additional cover for your gadgets, we offer an optional gadget extension that you can select when you get a quote with us.

Our policy wording will provide you with what cover your policy provides as standard and what our gadget extension cover will increase these limits to.

Can I buy RAC Travel Insurance if I live overseas or if my journey starts from another country?

No, only UK residents who are registered with a UK GP can purchase travel insurance from the RAC. You must purchase travel insurance before leaving the UK, if you purchase a policy after leaving the UK there will be no cover and the policy may be void.

Does my travel insurance cover me for holidays in the UK?

Yes, our single trip and annual multi-trip travel insurance covers holidays in the UK. You're covered for any trip not exceeding the maximum trip length as confirmed in your policy schedule, where you've pre-booked at least two nights' accommodation.

Travel delay is not covered for any trips within the UK (except for trips to the Channel Islands).

I'm travelling today. Can I get cover immediately?

Provided you've not already started your holiday, RAC Travel Insurance policies will provide you with cover as soon as your purchase has been confirmed.

I am pregnant, will I be covered for medical costs?

With RAC Travel Insurance you're covered for bodily injury and illness whilst travelling when pregnant. Please check your transport provider's guidelines before travelling as they may have restrictions.

There is no cover available for medical costs associated with normal pregnancy. This policy is designed to provide cover for unforeseen events, accidents, illnesses and diseases and normal childbirth would not constitute an unforeseen event. Any costs arising from your pregnancy or childbirth, if the expected date of delivery is less than 12 weeks (16 weeks for a multiple birth) after the end of the trip, are excluded.

Which activities am I covered for?

An activity or sport that I want to take part in on holiday is not covered under your policy, what can I do?

If you want to know more about the activities our travel insurance covers, or if one that you're looking to take part in is not listed within our policy wording, you can speak to one of our agents via the 'chat with us' button or email us [email protected] and we'll see if there's anything we can do.

What activities am I covered for as standard under your policy?

You can find a full list of activities covered within our policy wording .

If an activity or sport that you're looking to take part in is not listed within our policy wording , you can speak with one of our agents via the 'chat with us' button.

Please note, you won't be covered under this policy whilst taking part in winter sports unless you select this cover which will incur an additional premium. Winter sports insurance provides cover for emergency medical treatment caused by your participation in winter sports activities, the delay, loss, theft or damage to your ski equipment, cover for ski pack expenses, piste closure and avalanche closure.

Do you offer cruise cover?

Cruise is covered as standard within our single trip travel insurance policies however you can choose our cruise add on which will provide additional cover for an extra charge.

Our cruise add-on provides cover for the specific activities and risks associated with cruise holidays such as increased cover for your personal possessions, cover if you're confined to your cabin and missed excursions, or cruise itinerary changes.

As cruise holidays cover many different destinations, please ensure you're covered for each country you'll be visiting. Cruise cover is only available on single trip policies, not annual multi-trip policies.

If you haven't received an email from us with instructions on how to register for our online customer portal and view your insurance documents, please email us at [email protected] and we'll email your documents to you within 1 working day Please note, for data protection reasons, we can only send the documents to the email address provided at point of sale.

You can speak with one of our agents via the 'chat with us' button or email [email protected] to cancel your policy. We'll give you a full refund if you cancel within the 14 days of the receipt of your documentation and you've not started a trip, made or intend to make a claim.

If you want to make a change to your policy cover, including changing your dates or extending your trip, please contact our Team on 0330 159 0405 . Please note, any amendment on your policy may result in a change in premium.

What is included within your COVID-19 cover?

Our Standard COVID-19 cover is included within all policies at no extra charge. It provides you with:

• Cancellation if you've a COVID-19 diagnosis within 14 days of your departure

Our family policy covers up to 2 adults and up to 5 children under the age of 18. If your children are 18 years or over, you may want to consider buying a group annual multi-trip policy. We can only offer this type of policy over the phone, so please call us on 0330 159 0405 , Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, excluding Bank Holidays.

You can travel alone on all our policies if you're 18 years of age and over.

If you purchase your policy through Compare the Market, Go Compare and Confused.com, you must be 85 years and under at the start of your policy for single trips. For our annual multi-trip cover you must be aged 75 or under at the start of the policy period.

We ask that before you contact us in relation to costs arising from the recent spate of flight cancellations that you first directly approach your airline, tour operator or packaged holiday organiser.

You can contact us on the following numbers should you need assistance abroad or to make a claim.

• Claims, excluding gadget and Financial Failure, 01403 289 151 or email [email protected]
• Financial Failure claims 0345 266 1872 or email [email protected]
• Gadget claims 0330 880 1751 or email [email protected]

If you're only planning to travel once in a year, then a single trip policy could be more appropriate for you. Single Trip policies do cover you to travel to multiple destinations, but you'll need to ensure that you advise us of all destinations when you get a quote.

If you're planning to go on holiday more than once in a year, then an annual multi-trip policy could be more cost effective and save you having to take out a new policy each time you travel. You'll also be covered for Cancellation from the start date of your annual multi-trip policy, offering you value and peace of mind from the start.

The benefits, limits and excesses within your policy are per person, per claim. Therefore, if you've a couple, family or group policy, the limits and excesses will be for each of you individually.

For annual multi-trip cover the maximum trip duration is 22 days for Orange cover, 32 days for Silver cover and 45 days for Black cover. Trips within the UK are covered when you've prebooked accommodation for a minimum of 2 nights.

For single trip Cover, the maximum trip duration is 94 days or 21 days a for a trip to the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Our Black Essential and Black Essential Plus policy offered via Compare the Market, Go Compare and Confused.com Websites provide you with £1,000 of gadget cover against accidental damage, theft, malicious damage and loss and unauthorised usage as standard.

If you think you'll need additional cover for your gadgets, or want to have gadget cover on your Orange and Silver Essential or Orange and Silver Essential Plus policy and did not select for this to be added within your quote, we offer an optional gadget extension that you can add to your policy for an additional premium, by contacting us on 0330 159 0405 .

No, only UK residents who are registered with a UK GP can purchase travel insurance from RAC. You must purchase travel insurance before leaving the UK, if you purchase a policy after leaving the UK there will be no cover and the policy may be void.

Yes, our single trip and annual multi-trip policies cover holidays in the UK. You're covered for any trip not exceeding the maximum trip length as confirmed in your policy schedule, where you've pre-booked at least two nights' accommodation.

Provided you've not already started your holiday, RAC travel insurance policies will provide you with cover as soon as your purchase has been confirmed.

You're covered for bodily injury and illness whilst travelling when pregnant. Please check your transport provider's guidelines before travelling as they may have restrictions.

If you want to know more about the activities we cover, or if one that you're looking to take part in is not listed within our policy wording , you can speak to one of our agents via the 'chat with us' button or email us [email protected] and we'll see if there's anything we can do.

Please note, you won't be covered under this policy whilst taking part in Winter Sports unless you select this cover which will incur an additional premium. Winter sports insurance provides cover for emergency medical treatment caused by your participation in Winter Sports activities, the delay, loss, theft or damage to your ski equipment, cover for ski pack expenses, piste closure and avalanche closure.

Cruise is covered as standard within our single trip policies however you can choose our cruise add on which will provide additional cover for an extra charge by contacting us on 0330 159 0405 .

If you purchase your policy through MoneySuperMarket, you must be 85 years and under at the start of your policy. for single trips. For our annual multi-trip cover you must be aged 75 or under at the start of the policy period.

If you're only planning to travel once in a year, then a single trip policy could be more appropriate for you. Single trip policies do cover you to travel to multiple destinations, but you'll need to ensure that you advise us of all destinations when you get a quote.

For annual multi-trip cover the maximum trip duration is 22 days for Orange cover, 32 days for Silver cover and 45 days for Black cover. Trips within the UK are covered when you've pre-booked accommodation for a minimum of 2 nights.

All policies offered via the MoneySuperMarket website provide you with gadget cover as standard. The amount of cover will vary depending on what cover level you purchase. All benefits are per person, per claim.

If you think you'll need additional cover for your gadgets, we offer an optional gadget extension that you can add to your policy for an additional premium, by contacting us on 0330 159 0405 .

Chat with us

RAC Travel Insurance

Our verdict: rac travel insurance has high limits and broad cover, particularly for covid-19, financial default, and legal liability..

In this guide

Summary of RAC Travel Insurance International Comprehensive policy

How does rac travel insurance cover covid-19, what policies does rac offer, here's a breakdown of rac travel insurance features, standard features, optional add-ons, how to make an rac travel insurance claim, here's the bottom line about rac travel insurance, frequently asked questions, request travel insurance quotes and compare policies.

Destinations

• RAC offers up to $10,000 protection against financial default, which is one of the rarer benefits within travel insurance.
• A broad range of risks related to COVID-19 are covered, with the RAC among the most comprehensive in the market.
• Pregnancy is not covered after the 25th week and multiple pregnancies require a medical evaluation at any stage.
• Although RAC's COVID-19 cover is broad, it's capped at $3,500 which could leave some travellers out of pocket.

Compare other options

Table updated October 2023

RAC offers a broad range of cover for risks related to COVID-19. Here's what you can expect:

• Overseas medical, hospital, and emergency expenses if you contract COVID-19.
• Cancellation fees and lost deposits if you have to cancel or cut short your trip due to a COVID-19 related event outside of your control.
• Cancellation fees and lost deposits if you or a travelling companion are diagnosed with COVID-19 and you have to cancel or rearrange your trip
• Relevant costs if a close relative or business partner is hospitalised or dies due to COVID-19 and you have to cancel, reschedule or return home early.
• Relevant costs if you are permanently employed as a healthcare worker and your pre-approved leave is cancelled due to COVID-19.
• Relevant costs if a pre-paid tour is cancelled due to your tour guide contracting COVID-19
• Relevant costs if you're not permitted to board scheduled public transport due to you being suspected of having COVID-19
• Relevant costs if your accommodation is closed due to an outbreak of COVID-19 or necessary cleaning due to COVID-19
• Childcare costs if you're unable to take care of your dependant children due to contracting COVID-19 on your trip.
• Pet care costs if you're unable to return home on your scheduled date due to contracting COVID-19 on your trip.
• Transport of your remains or funeral costs if you die as a result of COVID-19 during your trip.

There are some scenarios that are not covered by RAC including costs if you were diagnosed with COVID-19 before heading on your trip but went anyway.

RAC offers five insurance policies to travellers. Comprehensive, Essentials, Medical Only, Annual Multi-Trip, and Domestic.

Comprehensive

Medical Only

Annual Multi-Trip

The insurer of this product is Tokio Marine & Nichido. It comes with a cooling-off period of 21 days and choice of $250 standard excess for international plans.

These are some of the main insured events that RAC will cover. Some of these benefits may only apply on the Comprehensive International policy.

• Overseas medical treatment
• Lost, damaged or stolen property
• Trip cancellation or amendment
• Additional accommodation and transport
• Rental vehicle excess
• Theft of money
• Luggage and travel delay
• Emergency dental costs
• Kidnap and hijack
• Personal liability
• Permanent disability
• Accidental death

RAC also offers some add-ons that provide cover for a wider range of risks.

• Ski and Winter Sports Cover. Extend your policy to include snow spots and get protection for specific risks such as piste closure, lost lift pass, or avalanche.
• Cruise Cover Extends your insurance policy to cover cruises.

Unfortunately, travel insurance doesn't cover everything. Generally, RAC will not pay your claim if it relates to:

• Unlawful, wreckless or unreasonably unsafe behaviour by you
• Behaviour while you were drunk or under the influence of drugs
• Expenses related to a pre-existing medical condition not listed on your policy
• An act of war, invasion or revolution
• You being unfit to travel or travelling against medical advice
• Childbirth or pregnancy complications after the 25th week of gestation
• A multiple pregnancy without a medical assesment
• An elective medical or dental treatment , cosmetic procedure or body modification (including tattoos or piercing)
• Self-inflicted injury or illness, suicide or attempted suicide

Make sure you review the RAC PDS for a detailed breakdown of what won't be covered, found under its list of general exclusions .

The quickest way to lodge your claim is online. You'll need to register with the email address you used to purchase your policy. Once registered, set up your password and complete your claim details by answering all sections.

Once submitted, your claim will be assessed within 10 working days.

Alternatively, you can call RAC on 1300 209 352 or email RAC at [email protected].

RAC offers strong protection across the board, at a reasonable price point.

In regards to COVID-19, a wide range of scenarios are covered but claims are capped at $3,500 which could leave some travellers out of pocket.

Lots of adventure activities, and even scooter and motorbike riding, are covered as standard, which is good news for many adrenaline-fueled but budget-conscious travellers. However, there's no option to add a specific adventure pack so be sure to check exactly which activities are covered and any requirements attached.

If you're still not sure about RAC Travel Insurance, you can compare other travel insurance companies here .

Are my children covered by RAC travel insurance?

Your children and your grandchildren are covered for free if they are 25 years old or younger, are financially dependent on their parents, are not working full time, do not require a medical assessment, are travelling with you the whole time, and are listed on the certificate of insurance.

Is there an age limit for RAC travel insurance?

No, as long as you're over 18 and meet the other requirements listed in the PDS, you can get cover..

Does RAC cover cruises?

RAC does not offer specific cruise cover. If you are going on a cruise which stops at other countries, you will need to select International Cover and list each country where the cruise stops.

Add kids under the age of 1 by typing a “0” 0 traveller(s)

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Nicola Middlemiss

Nicola Middlemiss is a contributing writer at Finder, with a special interest in personal finance and insurance. Formerly a business and finance journalist, Nicola has written thousands of articles helping Australians better understand insurance and grow their personal wealth. She has contributed to a wide range of publications, including Domain, the Educator, Financy, Fundraising and Philanthropy, Insurance Business, MoneyMag, Mortgage Professional, Yahoo Finance, Your Investment Property, and Wealth Professional. Nicola has a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Leeds. See full profile

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Amendment or Cancellation cost: If a close family member got very sick and I decided not to go on trip, would the policy cover this

Thanks for your question.

Your cancellation will depend on your policy exclusions stated with RAC. If you were aware of any reason, before your period of insurance commenced, that may cause your trip to be cancelled, you may not be covered.

The exact definition of a relative for each travel insurance policy will vary from insurers. Moreover, there are many policies that will cover you for amendment and cancellation costs due to family emergencies.

Please make sure to read the eligibility criteria, features and details of the policy, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you. If necessary, speak to the insurance brand to verify any details.

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Travel Insurance

How do i make a claim.

Claims can be lodged either online , by phone, or by email. If lodging by phone or email the applicable claim form will be provided for completion together with details of the documentation that needs to be provided.

Providing the information needed helps the insurer to make a timely and accurate decision about your claim. You can contact us either during your trip or once you have returned and we will guide you through the process. The insurer will not be able to process your claim unless you provide us with all of the necessary information. Full details should be submitted within 30 days of your return.

For all claims, evidence of the medical condition treated, incident or loss must be supported by the relevant documentation e.g. police report, medical report, receipts, proof of ownership etc. If you cannot provide it, then the insurer may reduce or refuse to pay your claim.

Phone: 1300 209 352

Web: Claim online

Email: [email protected]

Mail: RAC Travel Insurance Claims C/- TMNFA GPO Box 4616 Sydney 2001

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Table of Contents

How road trip insurance works

How to choose between road trip travel insurance companies, best plans for road trip travel insurance, other tips for road trip travel insurance, top cards with travel insurance for road trips, road trip travel insurance recapped.

There’s nothing quite like breezing down a highway with the windows down, the wind in your hair and a cooler full of sodas in the back seat. Whether you’re traveling alone or enjoying a road trip with friends or family, you’ll want to be sure that you’re covered with travel protections on your drive. This is as true whether you're embarking on a classic American road trip — like U.S. Route 66 — are or braving the roadways in a foreign country, in your own car or a rented vehicle.

Let’s take a look at road trip travel insurance, how it works and the best plans for auto travel insurance to suit your needs.

Road trips aren't immune to disruptions, and road trip insurance works similarly to travel insurance . Most plans require purchase before your trip begins and cover your prepaid expenses.

For rental cars

Not all third-party travel insurance policies automatically include coverage for a rental vehicle. Seek out plans that provide rental car insurance specifically — or book your car with a credit card that offers these specific protections .

Rental car travel insurance policies generally protect against damage to the rental vehicle only. Causes not within your control, such as collision, theft, vandalism, windstorm, fire, hail or flood damage are typically covered.

Because of the limited scope of rental car insurance, know that you may be on the hook if you’re liable for damage to other vehicles or if there’s bodily injury.

When picking up your rental car, you will likely be offered the insurance sold by the rental car company at the counter, typically called a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). You can decline this protection if you have sufficient coverage elsewhere (e.g., via a third-party policy or a credit card).

For your personal vehicle

Getting road trip insurance for your own vehicle isn't as common as travel insurance for rental cars , but it can still be a valuable consideration depending on your situation. For instance, access to roadside assistance can provide peace of mind if you are driving for long stretches in rural areas.

Finally, road tripping doesn’t end at driving a car. Other trip protections you may consider including in a travel insurance policy include medical evacuation, trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption coverage and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance . This is true whether you opt to drive your own vehicle or rent one for your trip.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

With several travel insurance companies out there, it can be difficult to narrow down the one you really need. Before buying, always get quotes from multiple businesses.

This is because coverage levels and prices can vary dramatically. Insurance aggregators such as InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) allow you to generate multiple quotes at once, plus they include filters for sorting so you can find the right policy for you.

Here are a few things to consider when looking for road trip insurance:

Whether you’re renting a car.

Where you're traveling.

Whether you already have car insurance. 

What types of coverage you’re interested in.

If you’re also planning on flying, cruising or using a ferry. 

How long you’ll be gone.

The cost of the plan.

To figure out the best road travel insurance, we combed a variety of insurance providers to check out their offerings.

Our quotes were built using a hypothetical 37-year-old from California taking a road trip throughout the United States. The total trip time was 15 days, and the total trip cost was $2,700. Here were the top contenders.

IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel SE plan came out significantly cheaper than competitors’ plans at just $100.43. This includes primary rental car coverage and a whole host of trip protections.

$40,000 in rental car coverage — $5,000 more than similar plans.

$250,000 in primary emergency medical coverage . 

Pre-existing conditions covered. 

Rental car coverage is only for collision, theft or damage to the vehicle.

$40,000 rental car coverage maximum. 

AD&D doesn’t cover strokes or any cardiac events.

HTH Worldwide

HTH Worldwide is another top option for travel insurance for car trips. Coming in at $185.29, the TripProtector Preferred plan provides up to $35,000 for rental car coverage, as well as other unique coverage options.

Covers additional kennel fees for your pet if you’re delayed. 

Includes $500,000 in primary emergency medical coverage.

Offers up to $200 to reinstate frequent traveler rewards, which is handy if you booked hotels on points for your trip.

Max of $35,000 in rental car coverage.

Repatriation of remains covers just $25,000.

Coverage excludes trucks, campers, motor bikes, recreational vehicles and exotic vehicles (defined as antique, limited production or collectible car or any other private passenger vehicle with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price over $75,000).

» Learn more: Is Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance worth it?

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services

USI Affinity’s Diamond plan rang in at $187, just a little more than HTH Worldwide’s plan. While it includes rental car insurance, the limit is quite low, making this a better option for those who are driving their own vehicles.

Travel delay starting at six hours.

$1 million limit for medical evacuation and repatriation. 

$50,000 limit for 24-hour AD&D. 

$1,000 rental car insurance maximum.

$100 deductible for rental car insurance. 

Maximum trip length of 30 days. 

AXA Assistance USA

AXA Assistance USA is our final recommendation due to its nonmedical evacuation policy, which will transport you to safety during a natural disaster or time of political or civil unrest. This can be especially important if you plan on driving somewhere remote with unknown weather conditions. The total for AXA’s Gold plan came in at $215.

$50,000 in nonmedical evacuation. 

$35,000 in rental car coverage. 

Includes coverage for sporting equipment. 

Minimum 12-hour travel delay before benefits kick in.

$25,000 limit for 24-hour AD&D.

Max of $35,000 in rental car coverage. 

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

We’ve gathered a few other tips for road trip travel insurance for you, so be sure to consider these before purchasing a policy:

Check out your own auto insurance policy. Within the U.S., your personal policy will usually also cover you when you drive a rental car.

Consider getting a travel credit card. Many travel credit cards include complimentary travel insurance as a benefit.

Secondary policies pay out after other options have been exhausted, but if you don’t have primary coverage, they automatically become primary. Keep this in mind when comparing plans. 

Waive the rental company's insurance and pay for your car with one these travel cards to get complimentary insurance on your rental and more:

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• Primary rental car coverage: Up to the cash value of most rental vehicles.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Primary rental car coverage: Up to $75,000.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Secondary rental car coverage: Up to $75,000.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

It’s important to ensure that you’re covered when you’re traveling, whether that’s by airplane, trains or automobiles. Depending on where you’re going, you may already have coverage — but do your due diligence and check first.

If not, consider getting a travel insurance policy that’ll cover your road trip, both for peace of mind and safety when you’re away from home.

American Express travel insurance disclosures

Insurance Benefit: Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

85,000 Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.