Out of State Accident

Going out of town is such an adventure. You get to explore and see a whole different landscape than you’re used to. In the movies, the adventurer typically comes across a conflict in the environment. The same could happen to you. You should be knowledgeable and prepared.

The conflict you could easily face while on your out-of-town adventure could be a car accident. Unlike skilled actors in the movies, you could start to panic at the unfamiliarity of your surroundings. So, what should you do in an out of state car accident?

Take deep breaths; try to calm yourself down. The steps following the accident are similar to an accident near your home.

  1. Call the police.
  2. If you are injured, ask for an ambulance.
  3. Take pictures and gather insurance information.
  4. If any witnesses have pulled over, the police should be talking to them and gathering their information.
  5. As soon as possible, call your insurance company to report a claim. 

If I’m out of state, will my insurance still cover my accident?
Yes. Typically, your insurance will follow your car to all the states.

What if I have the state’s minimum limits on my policy?
Every state’s minimum limits differ. If the state you get into an accident in has higher limits than your home state, the insurance company will adjust your limits to be that of the other state’s limits. If your limits are higher than the state where your accident took place, they will not lower the limits. They will not take coverage away; instead, they will maintain your purchased limits.

How will I get the damages repaired?
You will have to be patient when dealing with an out of state accident. Typically, your insurance company will tow your car to the nearest repair shop. It will take a few days for the insurance company to work through your claim. If necessary, an adjuster will come to declare your car totaled or not. Depending on your coverages, it is possible that your insurance company will reimburse you for your stay at a nearby hotel.

If you go out of state often, it’s vital that you have rental car coverage on your policy. That way, if damages take longer than a few days to repair, you’ll be able to return home.

By: KayLynn P.


Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Want to learn more about our blog writer?

Read more about KayLynn's background.

Click Here

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Read More Blogs

The Gift of Security: A Simple Guide to Life Insurance

An easy-to-understand guide to life insurance, explaining policy types and a simple way to calculate your needs.

Hitting the Road Safely: Understanding Your Auto Insurance Policy

A simple guide to auto insurance, explaining coverage, premiums, and tips for finding the best policy.

The Homeowner’s Handbook: Protecting Your Property and Peace of Mind

A clear guide to home insurance, covering policy types, inventory tips, and how to save money.

The Art of the Perfect Pizza: From Dough to Delight

A comprehensive guide to making delicious, restaurant-quality pizza at home, from dough to toppings.

Shielding Your Enterprise: The Small Business Owner’s Guide to Insurance

A deep dive into business insurance, covering essential policies and strategies to protect your company from risk.

Your Legacy, Your Promise: A Practical Guide to Life Insurance

A clear, practical guide to life insurance, explaining term vs. permanent policies and how to calculate your needs.

The Driver’s Blueprint: Demystifying Auto Insurance Coverage

A complete guide to auto insurance, explaining all coverage types and how to get the best deal.

Beyond the Basics: Navigating the Nuances of Home Insurance

A comprehensive guide to home insurance, covering everything from standard policies to essential riders and the claims process.

How Long Would It Take? A Look at Time, Expectations, and the Unexpected

How long would it take to walk across the U.S. or grow a foot of hair? Find out here.

Prepare for Sickness Season: A Business Checklist

Don’t get caught off guard! Here are three essential steps businesses can take to prepare for cold and flu season.