Plan ahead for the perfect road trip
- Planning ahead
- Auto insurance
- Travel insurance
- Auto insurance
- Pet insurance
- Travel insurance
- A little preparation goes a long way, so make sure your vehicle is serviced and road-ready before you hit the road.
- Planning your route and fuel stops in advance can help you drive more efficiently and avoid unnecessary costs and detours.
- If you're travelling out of province or bringing a pet along, it's worth reviewing your coverage to make sure you're fully protected.
- Keeping your home off social media while you're away and double-checking coverage for borrowed or rented vehicles are simple steps that can save you a headache later.
Road trips remain one of the most flexible and affordable ways to explore Canada, especially as fuel prices continue to fluctuate. Whether you're heading to a nearby town or planning a longer journey, being prepared can help you reduce costs, avoid unnecessary stress and travel more safely.
Start with your vehicle
Before hitting the road, make sure your vehicle is serviced and road-ready. Beyond the basics:
- Check your emergency kit – Confirm you have a spare tire, flashlight, jumper cables and other roadside essentials on hand.
- Pack a first aid kit – Having one along can help you manage minor bumps along the way.
- Keep your vehicle organized – Make sure passengers don't need to reach or move around unsafely while driving.
- Review your coverage for added equipment – If you're using a roof rack or cargo carrier, confirm your insurance covers it.
Taking a quick video of your vehicle and packed items before departure can also be helpful if you ever need to make a claim.
Be fuel-efficient
With higher fuel costs, efficiency matters more than ever:
- Plan your route ahead of time – Avoiding unnecessary detours can make a real difference at the pump.
- Map out fuel stops and points of interest – Breaking up the drive helps prevent fatigue and keeps the trip enjoyable.
- Use your vehicle's fuel efficiency display – Most newer vehicles show kilometres per litre, which can guide smoother and more efficient driving habits.
- Avoid aggressive acceleration and excessive idling – Both habits eat into your fuel and stretch your costs further.
Make safety a shared responsibility
Long drives can be tiring, so keep the driver focused:
- Designate a co-pilot – Assign someone to handle directions, playlists and snacks so the driver can stay attentive.
- Minimize distractions – Keeping things calm in the vehicle helps the driver stay fully focused on the road.
- Take regular breaks – Stopping to rest and recharge makes the journey safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Travelling with pets or crossing provinces?
Bringing your furry companion along? We offer pet insurance options to help protect them on and off the road.
Heading out of province? Don't assume you're fully covered. Emergency medical expenses can add up quickly outside your home province. Review your current coverage carefully and consider out-of-province travel medical insurance for added peace of mind.
Protect your home while you're away
Sharing your trip in real-time on social media might be tempting, but it can also signal that your home is empty. Save the social posts for when you return.
Borrowing or renting a vehicle?
If you're lending, borrowing or renting a vehicle, or adding extra drivers, check your coverage beforehand. Confidence in your coverage can prevent surprises in the event of an insurance claim.
Whether you're staying local or heading out of province, a few simple steps can make your journey safer, smoother and more enjoyable. By maintaining your vehicle, planning fuel-efficient routes, minimizing distractions and having confidence in your insurance coverage, you can make the most of your next road trip.