Holiday travel is up — make sure you’re prepared for the unexpected.
AAA projects more than 51 million Americans will hit the road for the Fourth of July holiday this year — setting yet another travel record. Many of those trips will cross state lines, which means it’s a good time to ask:
What happens if you get into a car accident in another state?
Let’s be honest: getting into a car accident is stressful no matter where you are. But when it happens out of state — unfamiliar roads, different laws, far from your go-to repair shop — it can feel even more overwhelming.
No Matter Where You Are, Take These Steps Immediately:
Whether the accident happens 5 miles or 500 miles from home, your first steps are the same:
- Call the police
- Take photos of the scene and all vehicles involved
- File a police report
- Get names and contact info of any witnesses
- Notify your insurance company
- Never admit fault at the scene
So… What About Insurance?
Here’s the good news: your auto insurance follows you wherever you go in the U.S.
Most policies provide coverage across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and even Canadian provinces. That means if you’re in an accident while traveling, your coverage still applies — just like it would at home.
You’ll still need to comply with the insurance and reporting requirements of the state where the accident occurred. But don’t worry — major insurance companies are built to handle this. They’ll adjust to local laws while processing your claim based on your specific policy.
The Bottom Line
If you’re properly insured and your claim meets the terms of your policy, you should be fully covered — even far from home. It’s one less thing to worry about as you hit the road this summer. From all of us at Hollingsworth Auto Service, drive safe, stay alert, and enjoy the holiday weekend and all of your summer travels. And if your vehicle needs any repairs from travel damage when you return, you know who to call.
