aaa road trip insurance

AAA Travel Information:

Aaa triptik travel planner - more than maps & directions.

Everything You Need to Make Trip Planning Simpler

Plan a road trip online with AAA TripTik Travel Planner, and save your trips for use with the AAA Mobile app . Along with trip planning maps and traveling directions, you can find AAA Approved and Diamond Rated places to stay and dine . Use the booking feature to make hotel reservations. Find nearby gas stations and get updated fuel prices . Locate electric vehicle charging stations. Calculate your driving distance and save your trips for use with the AAA Mobile app. Learn More

Accompanying Maps You Can Print

Complete your AAA travel package with printable maps from AAA Map Gallery on AAA.com. Map Gallery has full-color maps of more than 400 popular destination areas across North America from Miami Beach to British Columbia. If you're a member, stop by your local AAA office. AAA's team of knowledgeable travel professionals will create a TripTik Travel Planner routing for you, provide information on vacation packages, help you find the best travel deals and even help you rent a car for the trip.

Orlando, FL

10 affordable California road trips

By AAA staff

August 09, 2018

America’s most populous state has enough to see and do for a lifetime. 

Unfortunately, most of us don’t have a lifetime’s worth of money to spend at any given moment. Never fear—California’s beauty can be enjoyed without breaking the bank on lodging, food, and libations. Here are 10 towns, from the state’s South to the North, and how to visit them while sparing your wallet. Plan accordingly and make it a road trip to remember. 

Palm Springs

Drive from Los Angeles:  2–3 hours Drive from San Diego:  2–3 hours

“Palm Springs, land of golf courses? You must be joking.” Nope, there’s plenty to do here for the non-wealthy if they know where to look.

Where you should stay 

The Caliente Tropics Hotel. Rooms go for as little as $82 a night, which gets you fun Polynesian theming and a slice of history: Elvis once stayed here. It’s also convenient to downtown, and just across a block from the historic Moorten Botanical Garden.  Book your stay at the Caliente Tropics Hotel .

What you should eat

A pastrami sandwich at Sherman’s Deli. The family-owned eatery is a longtime local favorite and a great way to get a filling meal downtown without overspending.

What you should play  

Golf at night. That’s right, The Lights at Indio Golf Course is open after dark with greens fees of $28 or below, and you can even tee off after 8 p.m.

Joshua Tree

Drive from Los Angeles:  2–3 hours Drive from San Diego:  2–3 hours

Named after the iconic desert plant, Joshua Tree sits in the high desert above the Coachella Valley. The town is dwarfed by the vast, starkly beautiful landscape of Joshua Tree National Park.

Where you should stay

The Joshua Tree Inn. Big on desert charm and small on price, this Spanish hacienda-style hotel features a “zen courtyard” and koi pond. Rooms start at $138 and include a private outdoor patio.

A hefty slice of pizza at Pie for the People. This outpost offers a unique array of experimental pies and toppings—ever had strawberries on a pizza? More importantly, those extra-large slices are cheap and filling: $4 each for “regular” toppings, $5 for the fancier ones.

What you should see 

The Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum. After experiencing nature with a hike into the national park, return to civilization with amazing sculptures fashioned out of recycled materials. Admission is free.

Santa Barbara

Drive from Los Angeles:  1½–2 hours Drive from San Diego:  3½–4 hours

This city calls itself the American Riviera, and with everything from 18th-century-style Spanish architecture to fig trees and a pier, it’s hard to argue with them.

The Avania Inn. Rooms begin at $151 and are walking distance from the beach and Stearns Wharf. Each room features antique furnishings, which the hotel says offer a “home away from home” feeling.  Book your stay at the Avania Inn .

Killer Nachos at the Endless Summer Bar Cafe. They’re $8 during happy hour from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and you can also check out vintage surfboards and a view of the water.

Old Mission Santa Barbara. Known as the “Queen of the Missions,” it was founded by the Spanish in 1786 and is one of the best-preserved California missions.  Admission is just $12 ,  with discounts for children, students, military, and seniors.

Drive from Los Angeles:  3–3½ hours Drive from San Diego:  5–5½ hours

Pronounced “LAWM-poke,” this town has earned the name “City of Arts and Flowers” by growing a significant portion of America’s cut flowers and flower seeds. The fields bloom May through August, which makes that the best time to visit.

Lotus of Lompoc. Rates start as low as $73 a night, and that includes a free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and access to the outdoor heated pool.  Book your stay at Lotus of Lompoc .

Tacos at Floriano's Mexican Food. It's hard to beat them for value: On Taco Tuesdays, hard-shell tacos are $1.99 apiece and soft tacos are just $1.50. Not there on a Tuesday? No worries—the prices are only a few dozen cents higher the rest of the week.

What you should see

Lompoc’s flower fields, which you can look for along Ocean and Floradale avenues. You may have to look for a bit: Depending on what the market is paying more for, many fields could be growing vegetables instead of flowers. But any flowers you do find should be a sight to see (and looking at them is free!).

San Luis Obispo

Is this the northern end of Southern California or the southern end of Northern California? Either way, its beautiful coastline is a marriage of sea and mountains that draws those looking to enjoy nature—and nearby vineyards.

The Apple Farm. Queen beds start at $107, including a fireplace and HD television. For those with cash to spare, there are also rooms with private patios and hot tubs.  Book your stay at the Apple Farm .

The $9.25 truffle fries at the Apple Farm Restaurant, which is super convenient if you’re staying there but still worth it if you’re not.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. It’s the 18th-century “Prince of Missions” to Santa Barbara’s “queen,” and admission is free, so checking out the gardens and Chumash artifacts is a thrifty way to spend a few hours.

Drive from Los Angeles:  3½–4 hours Drive from San Diego:  5½–6 hours

Cambria is well-known as the gateway to points north, such as Hearst Castle and Big Sur, but there's plenty to do in town, too. Members can visit the famous Nitt Witt Ridge folk art house that overlooks the town, then go antiquing on charming Main Street.

Where you should stay   

The Bluebird Inn. Rooms go as low as $159, there's free Wi-Fi, it's located next to Santa Rosa Creek, and there's easy access to Main Street. Willing to spend more? There are also fireplace suites.  Book your stay at the Bluebird Inn .

Blueberry pancakes at the Redwood Cafe, which features a shady outdoor patio for people-watching.

The Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery. Elephant seals fight, mate, and sun themselves year-round at this marine sanctuary about 10 minutes north of town. Visitors can park on-site and see seals immediately. The best part? It's free.

Drive from Los Angeles:  4½–5 hours Drive from San Diego:  6½–7½ hours

Salinas is best known as the birthplace of great American novelist John Steinbeck, many of whose books are set in and around the agricultural town. Otherwise, it’s mostly known for being surrounded by massive fields of vegetables.

The Laurel Inn. Rates go as low as $85 a night, which gets you the usual combination of air-conditioned room, queen bed, refrigerator, and access to a heated pool and spa. There’s also a diner on-site that offers generous portions of comfort food.  Book your stay at the Laurel Inn .

The $8.50 blackened snapper sandwich at the Golden Fish (it comes with potato salad or french fries). This seafood eatery is conveniently located within walking distance of the National Steinbeck Center.

Toro County Park. Sure, no visit is complete without going to the Steinbeck Center, but that costs money. Taking in a grand view of the Salinas Valley from the hills of the park is free, plus there’s a playground for kids.

Drive from Los Angeles:  5½–6 hours Drive from San Diego:  7½–8 hours

Famous for its boardwalk, its surfing, and the Mystery Spot, perhaps nothing sums up this countercultural hub as well as its unofficial motto: “Keep Santa Cruz weird.”

The Islander Motel. Rooms at this AAA Diamond Approved hotel begin at $75. Continental breakfast is included, as is free Wi-Fi and a seasonally available heated pool.  Book your stay at the Islander Motel .

“Gnarly” garlic fries at Woodies Cafe on the Santa Cruz Wharf. That’s as much flavor as $5.95 is going to buy you anywhere. If you’re hungry for more, check out the popcorn clam strips and fries for $11.95.

The obvious answer is the boardwalk, and sometimes the obvious answer is the correct answer. The beach is free, the view is free—you only have to pay for rides and food.

Half Moon Bay

Drive from Los Angeles:  5½–6½ hours Drive from San Diego:  7½–8½ hours

Just 40 minutes from bustling San Francisco, this foggy coastal town is a perfect retreat from stress, especially if you enjoy the great outdoors.

The Half Moon Bay Lodge. Rooms start at $190 and come with views of the nearby countryside. The decor is modern but earthy, going for a true "lodge" feel, and there's free breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi, plus a heated outdoor pool and hot tub.  Book your stay at the Half Moon Bay Lodge.

American fare at Dad's Luncheonette, which boasts “American roadside classics with a California focus.” That includes homemade potato chips for $3.75 and mac and cheese for $5.50. Did we mention the kitchen is inside a 113-year-old rail caboose?

Mavericks surf break. This world-famous surfing spot at the north end of town is known for its enormous (and dangerous) waves, which can be enjoyed from a safe distance. Their size depends on the weather, but in favorable conditions, they can reach 60 feet high and rattle the earth when they break.

Drive from Los Angeles:  10–11 hours Drive from San Diego:  12–13 hours

For the ambitious road-tripper, the town of Eureka awaits on California's North Coast. It's about as far from San Francisco as Big Sur is from Los Angeles, so this is no mere daytrip, but a visit offers a trip back in time to California's 19th-century colonial past.

Abigail's Elegant Victorian Mansion. One of Eureka's biggest draws is its historic Victorian homes, so why not spend the night at one? Rooms start at $135.

Fried oysters at Cafe Marina. Digging into fresh local seafood while looking out on Eureka's marina is a great way to get into the spirit of Humboldt Bay.

Old Town Eureka. The district's many historic buildings have preserved the town's feel from the 19th century, when it was the playground of lumber barons. Members can also peruse the wares of the many specialty shops and art galleries while appreciating the architecture.

Ready to hit the road?

Auto Club members can take advantage of savings at hundreds of hotels across California. Know where you want to go? Start planning today!

Browse hotels

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

Travel Insurance and Rental Cars: What’s Covered?

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If you’re planning on renting a car while traveling, you’ll want to make sure that you’re covered with insurance. Most rental car companies offer some coverage at an extra cost, but these options tend to be expensive. But affordable rental car insurance is out there — it just takes some effort to coordinate.

Many general travel insurance policies offer rental car coverage either as part of their standard plans or as an add-on. Plus, you may have a credit card with rental car insurance already included .

Here's a look at how car rental travel insurance works, what it covers and other options for making sure you’re insured while on the road in a rented car.

Does travel insurance cover car rentals?

Yes, many travel insurance policies include some form of rental car coverage. If it’s not already included in your plan, there may be an option to customize coverage by adding rental car insurance.

Costs vary depending on the overall plan, the coverage limit of the rental car insurance and whether the insurance is primary or secondary.

Primary rental car coverage is the first entity to pay out; "secondary" means the insurance will only cover costs not already paid for by other policies. This is also known as car rental excess insurance, meaning that rental car excess insurance kicks in only after other coverage is exhausted.

If you own a car and have an insurance policy, check if you already have rental car coverage. In the U.S., personal car insurance tends to cover rentals.

» Learn more: Rental car insurance explained

Travel insurance on a rental car

When considering a specific travel insurance policy, comb through its plan documents to see what type of car rental coverage is included.

In general, rental car insurance provided by a travel insurance policy is limited. Unlike a personal car insurance policy or rental car insurance from a credit card, the plan likely won’t cover liability or medical expenses incurred in an accident.

» Learn more: How your credit card has you covered with rental car insurance

Travel insurance policies often offer a collision damage waiver (CDW), which means that the damage your vehicle sustains in an accident will be reimbursed. CDWs may also include coverage for theft.

Some policies exclude specialty vehicles from coverage, while others won’t insure you for cars rented in certain countries.

Of course, it’s also possible to opt for the insurance offered by the rental car company, which can be a hassle-free way to ensure that you don’t end up on the hook in case of an accident.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

Finding travel insurance with rental car coverage

To find a policy with rental car insurance, head to a travel insurance provider comparison sites like TravelInsurance.com or Squaremouth.

Here's a search on Squaremouth as an example.

First, input your travel information, including when you’re departing, where you’re going, age and state of residence.

Then, the search engine will create a list of all available policies, which can be filtered to those that include rental car insurance.

Note that the terms of each policy can differ, especially how much coverage you’ll receive for a rental car.

» Learn more: Declining rental car insurance abroad? Know the risks

Credit cards that offer travel insurance with rental car coverage

To get rental car insurance while traveling, you may first want to check your credit cards. Many credit cards offer complimentary rental car insurance for bookings charged to that card.

You’ll find this benefit on a variety of cards, including travel credit cards and cash back credit cards. Here are some options:

on Chase's website

on Bilt's website

Primary rental car coverage with reimbursement up to $75,000.

Primary auto damage collision damage waiver. New York residents are eligible only for secondary coverage.

Primary rental car coverage up to the cash value of most rental vehicles.

Primary coverage when renting for business purposes with reimbursement up to the actual cash value of most rental vehicles.

Travel insurance and rental cars recapped

It makes sense to look for a travel insurance policy that also covers a rental car, especially if you’re driving somewhere unfamiliar.

While it’s possible to purchase the insurance plans offered by the rental car company, these tend to be overpriced and overkill for many drivers. Instead, you could consider a travel insurance plan with included rental car coverage, which means you won't have to without needing to make an additional purchase.

Also, check out any personal auto insurance policy you already have to see if it has provisions for rental cars. And before you settle on buying a travel insurance policy, double-check if a credit card you already have offers complimentary rental car insurance.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 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.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Join AAA today Membership gives you access to Roadside Assistance, Deals, Discounts, and more.

• Add Members
• Gift Membership
• Member Benefits Guide
• The Extra Mile
• Renew Expires in 28 days

AAA Visa Signature® Credit Cards

Earn a $100 Statement Credit

After spending $1,000 on your card within 90 days of account opening.

• Advice back All Advice Travel Auto Money Home Life
• Destinations back All Destinations Northeast States Southeast States Central States Western States Mid-Atlantic States National Parks Road Trips International Travel Inspiration
• Connect back All Connect Community Stories Authors & Ambassadors
• Guides back All Guides Doing Your Taxes Protecting Your Valuables Winter Driving Buying and Selling a Car Buying and Selling a Home Getting Organized Home Improvement Improve Your Finances Maintaining Your Car Saving Money Staying Healthy Traveling
• Series back All Series AAA World Garden Road Trips Member News AAA's Take Good Question Car Reviews AAA Traveler Worldwise Foodie Finds Minute Escapes

DISCOVER YOUR PERFECT ROAD TRIP—SEE THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD, ROUTE 66, CALIFORNIA’S HIGHWAY 1, THE FLORIDA KEYS, AND MORE

May 02, 2024 | 5 min read.

THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

For any American interested in learning about African American history, a road trip through the Underground Railroad territory is a must. If you want to see everything, you’ll need six weeks to cover 800 miles across half the country. But if you're short on time, consider the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway. It follows the famous abolitionist's life journey through Delaware, Maryland, Philadelphia, and the Finger Lakes region of New York. Along the way, learn about the struggles of enslaved people at various museums, exhibits, murals, and historic homes.   

HISTORIC ROUTE 66

The Route 66 road trip offers an immersion into iconic American culture, filled with vintage motels, classic diners, and quirky attractions (such as the world’s largest rocking chair in Casey, Illinois). If you take the entire road trip, stretching 2,448 miles across eight states from California to Illinois, you'll see nature's best in so many places. Make plans to discover petrified forests, deep caves, vast deserts, ponderosa forests, and the world’s wonder: the Grand Canyon.

Make sure to shop for jewels and artifacts at the largest Native American trading grounds in Gallup, New Mexico, and join the locals for a country western dance at Wild West Junction in Williams, Arizona.

AAA Members receive exclusive discounts on travel arrangements, including car rentals and hotel reservations. Learn More

UTAH’S MIGHTY 5 

If you are an outdoor adventurer, you'll love the ultimate Utah National Parks  road trip that will take you through some of the most spectacular parks in the U.S. You can make Salt Lake City a base to explore over 20 national parks and monuments. The city is also minutes away from Great Salt Lake, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, and Antelope Island. Continue on to the mighty five: Arches National Park, Canyonlands, Capital Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion.   

FLORIDA KEYS

Leaving the U.S. mainland and driving on a narrow, 7-mile bridge surrounded by water on both sides will feel like a surreal road trip. The 120-mile-long coral archipelago of the Florida Keys was inaccessible by road until the Overseas Highway opened in 1938. Currently, a series of overwater highways and bridges string together some of the 1,700 islands, making it a scenic and adventurous road trip.   

CALIFORNIA'S HIGHWAY 1

The dramatic, winding road that hugs the Pacific coast of California has been a backdrop in countless movies. Stretching from San Francisco to Los Angeles, the famed highway boasts laid-back beach towns filled with charming shops, art galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants featuring local ingredients. You can let your hair loose under the California sun while cruising in a dreamy convertible along the 655 miles of Highway 1.   

Along the way, stretch your legs on the trails, or at parks and beaches at Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and Big Sur. Spend some time in the European-style waterfront village, Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's where you can access Pebble Beach’s 17-Mile Drive , which spans California's Monterey Peninsula—home to surf-carved cliffs, colonies of harbor seals, and spectacular sunsets over the Pacific. 

• facebook share
• link share Copy tooltiptextCopy1
• link share Copy tooltiptextCopy2

Limited Time Offer!

Please wait....