Each year when the holidays roll around, many of us load up our vehicles and head out to see family, take road trips, or just enjoy some time away. But if you're driving out of Houston, or letting someone else borrow your car, it's smart to look a little closer at what your auto insurance actually covers.

Not all policies are built the same, and the kind of coverage you count on every day in Houston might not work the same when you're hundreds of miles from home. Auto insurance in Houston may seem like it's got you covered for the holidays, but that's not always a sure thing. If you're crossing state lines, taking a long drive through unfamiliar roads, or carpooling with out-of-town guests, now’s a good time to check your policy. A little preparation can go a long way toward avoiding headaches on the road.

What “Holiday Travel” Really Means for Your Policy

When people think about holiday travel, they often imagine festive playlists and snacks in the backseat. But from a policy perspective, it can mean something completely different. The way you travel, how far you go, and who’s driving can affect how your coverage works.

Here’s what we mean by “holiday travel” and why it matters:

• Long road trips often involve more time on the highway and unfamiliar roads, which can increase your risk of accidents

• You might travel across state lines, and each state has different insurance rules

• Heavy holiday traffic, packed parking lots, icy roads, and late-night drives all carry added risks

Insurance companies keep all this in mind when setting up policies. But some drivers don’t think about how “routine” coverage might not line up with longer, more unpredictable trips. Planning ahead isn’t just about the snacks, it’s about knowing if your policy can handle a different kind of drive.

Common Gaps in Houston Auto Insurance Policies

Many drivers in Houston carry the minimum, a basic liability policy that helps cover damage to others if you're at fault. But when you're counting on your policy outside of day-to-day driving, those limits get tested fast. Through Navigant Insurance, Houston drivers can choose personal auto policies that include liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage to help protect against damage to their vehicle, accidents, theft, and other unexpected events.

Some common gaps include:

• Liability-only coverage doesn’t help with damage to your own car, towing, or getting a rental if yours breaks down

• Roadside help isn’t always part of a standard plan. If your car won’t start while you're far from home, you may be on your own

• Uninsured and underinsured drivers are more common on the road than people think. If you're hit by someone without enough coverage, your basic insurance might not help much

Our agents can customize these policies with additional options such as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, roadside assistance, and rental car reimbursement, which can be especially useful if a breakdown or accident happens far from home. Many drivers only find this out after an accident. That’s why reading the fine print now, before a trip, is a smart move.

Out-of-State Travel and Policy Limits

Crossing state lines might feel like no big deal, but it matters to your insurance. Every state sets its own rules about how much coverage drivers need. If you’re traveling beyond Texas, your policy has to keep up with different laws.

Auto coverage doesn't always shift automatically when you leave Texas. Some policies adjust, but others may leave you undercovered. It's good to know:

• Some states require higher minimum coverage than Texas

• Your current policy might meet Texas rules but not another state’s

• If you're involved in an accident outside Texas, your bodily injury or property damage limits might not be enough

Before you hit the road, it's worth reviewing what your policy says about out-of-state travel. We’ve seen drivers stuck with surprise claims just because a different state had different rules.

Other People Driving Your Car During Holiday Trips

Plenty of people share driving duties during long hauls. Maybe your cousin takes a turn behind the wheel, or a friend uses your car while theirs is in the shop. This sounds easy on the surface, but it’s another area where your coverage can get tricky.

Here’s what you should know:

• Most insurance plans cover “permissive use,” but that doesn’t always mean full coverage

• If someone else crashes your car and they're not listed on your policy, the payout might be smaller, or denied

• •Some policies only cover drivers who actually live with you or are named in your policy paperwork

It’s easy to assume your insurance will follow your vehicle, no matter who’s driving. But not all plans work that way. A quick check now could save you, and your holiday plans, from any big surprises.

Driving Safe Into the New Year

Holiday travel brings a lot of joy, but it can also bring confusion when your coverage doesn’t match your trip. Whether you're heading down the road to see family or crossing state lines to visit friends, make sure your policy is set up for more than just daily errands.

Having a plan, and knowing the limits of your auto insurance in Houston, helps you stay safer and more confident behind the wheel. You may not be able to control traffic or the weather, but you can control how ready you are for the ride ahead. For Houston, Texas, families reviewing coverage for the holidays, we can look at auto, home, life, and other personal policies together so that protections work smoothly across everyday and seasonal needs. A few minutes reviewing your policy now could make the difference between a smooth trip and one filled with avoidable problems.

About Ricky Wong

Ricky Wong leads Navigant Insurance with two decades of hands-on experience helping people across Houston and beyond protect what matters most. He knows how to spot the coverage gaps that often get missed and understands what it takes to help clients feel confident on the road.

At Navigant Insurance, we work with individuals and families every day, helping them understand the fine details of their auto coverage. Whether you’re planning a quick holiday getaway or a long cross-country drive, we’re here to help you get ready to roll with peace of mind.

Traveling this holiday season brings unique insurance needs, whether you’re navigating out-of-state highways, facing winter weather, or sharing driving duties. At Navigant Insurance, we help Houston drivers feel confident in their coverage before they hit the road. For reliable options suited to your plans, reach out today to review your auto insurance in Houston.