Planning a trip out of Texas can be exciting, especially around the holidays when many people hit the road to visit family or take a break. But if you're driving your own car, there’s one thing you don’t want to overlook: your insurance coverage. Just because you have auto insurance in Houston doesn’t always mean you’ll be fully covered in another state.

Different places have different rules, which can get confusing fast if something unexpected happens. We're here to help you understand how to tell if your policy covers out-of-state accidents. Before you buckle up and head out, here are some things to keep in mind.

Know What “Out-of-State Coverage” Means

When you drive to another state, most auto insurance policies still follow you. At a basic level, your liability coverage generally carries over if you're visiting another state. That means if you get into an accident and you're at fault, your policy will usually cover the other driver’s injuries or repairs, just like it would in Texas.

But that doesn’t mean everything stays the same. Here are a few things that can change when you're on the road:

• State laws vary widely, so the amount of coverage you’re required to have may not match what you carry in Texas

• If you're renting a car, your current policy may or may not apply depending on how it's written

• Road conditions, weather, and traffic rules often differ, especially if you're driving somewhere you've never been

It’s smart to know these differences up front. They can make a tough situation even harder if you don’t know what to expect.

Check These Parts of Your Policy Before You Go

Before you leave Houston, look over the main parts of your insurance policy. Some things could matter more when you’re out of town. Pay attention to:

• Liability coverage: This helps if you’re at fault in a crash and need to pay for someone else’s damage or injuries

• Comprehensive and collision: See if your plan covers anything that happens to your own car, including weather damage or theft while you're away

• Medical payments: This helps if you or your passengers need care after an accident

• Roadside help: If your car breaks down, having access to towing or emergency service can be a trip-saver

Not all parts of your plan may apply across state borders. Some extras, like roadside service, might only work in Texas unless noted otherwise. If you're not sure, it's a good idea to double-check with your provider. Our personal auto policies can include liability, collision, comprehensive coverage, and personal injury protection, so your plan can address both damage you cause others and damage to your own vehicle. You can also add options such as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, roadside assistance, and rental car reimbursement, which can be especially helpful during longer trips outside Texas.

How States Handle Accidents Differently

Each state has its own way of managing accidents. What happens in Texas after a crash isn't always what happens in, say, Louisiana or Oklahoma. Things like fault and how claims are handled can look different.

For example, certain states have “no-fault” rules, which means each person’s insurance helps their own car and medical bills, no matter who caused the accident. Other places look at fault and may require more paperwork or longer claim times. These variations can affect how soon you get your car fixed or when your medical bills start adding up.

Being aware of this ahead of time can help you stay calm and get the help you need quickly, especially if you're in an unfamiliar place.

Why Your Houston Agent Can Make Travel Safer

Having a local expert who knows the rules in Houston, Texas, can give you peace of mind before you take your trip. We understand what types of coverage are standard here and how that might need to change depending on where you're headed.

The more familiar your agent is with your personal policy and driving habits, the easier it is to make sure you’re covered when you leave the state. Before any road trip, we can walk through your current policy with you, recommend helpful changes if needed, and explain what’s in place if something unexpected happens while you're away.

And after an accident, having someone nearby who already knows you makes it easier to file a claim, ask questions, or fix mistakes fast. Our dedicated claims team is available to guide you through reporting a loss and moving your claim forward, which can be especially reassuring if something happens far from home.

What to Do if Something Happens While You’re Away

Accidents can be stressful no matter where they happen, but being out-of-state adds extra pressure. If something goes wrong while you're on your trip, here’s a quick list to follow:

1. Stay safe and make sure everyone is okay

2. Call local police and document what happened

3. Take photos of all vehicles involved, damage, and anything around you

4. Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver

5. Contact your Houston insurance provider as soon as you can

It also helps to carry a copy of your insurance card and a list of who to call if something happens. Keep a photo of this info on your phone too, just in case.

Making Sure Your Coverage Travels With You

Before packing the car and hitting the highway, giving your policy a quick look can save you from major headaches later. While most auto insurance in Houston already protects you pretty well, little gaps might show up once you're out of Texas.

We’ve helped many drivers check their policies before they travel, just to be sure nothing slips through the cracks. It’s worth taking a few minutes to go over the details. With the right plan and a bit of preparation, you can enjoy the open road, no matter how far it takes you.

About Ricky Wong

Ricky Wong leads our team at Navigant Insurance with more than 20 years of experience helping Houston drivers protect what matters most. As an independent agent, Ricky knows how to spot the kinds of coverage people really need, whether they’re staying local or taking their car far from home. At Navigant, we focus on honest advice, smart planning, and personal service you can count on every mile of the way.

Planning to leave Texas this season is the perfect opportunity to review your coverage and make sure you're prepared for the road ahead. We’re here to help you navigate your insurance, answer questions about claims or rental cars, and explain how other states handle accidents. To see what your current plan covers or to learn more about auto insurance in Houston, contact Navigant Insurance today.