Getting into an accident can be inconvenient at the best of times, but it can be especially nerve-wracking if you’re far from home when it happens. Driving laws and repercussions vary state by state, so some drivers may worry about whether or not they are covered when they travel.
The good news is that your car insurance automatically adjusts when you cross state lines. For example, if you live in North Carolina and have an accident in a state with higher minimum requirements such as Texas, your policy’s coverage will automatically adjust to be equal of that in the state you are driving in.
The same applies to full coverage. If you have full coverage auto insurance in one state, you should automatically have full coverage in every state.
Do You Need Extra Coverage to Drive in Other States?
Because your policy automatically adjusts, there is no special or extra insurance you need to travel elsewhere in the United States. If you are visiting elsewhere, such as Mexico, you may need additional coverage, however.
If you are involved in an accident in another state, the process will be similar or identical to what it would usually be for an accident in your home state. First you should make sure everyone is safe and receives the medical care they need before calling the police and contacting your insurance provider.
From there, your insurance provider can help you file a claim.
What Happens if You Get a Ticket in A Different State?
Although your insurance should be the same no matter where you are, the repercussions of an accident or ticket may not be.
For example, say you cause an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). The repercussions for this can change depending on where you live. In North Carolina, DUI offenders may face 24 hours of jailtime, a $200 fine and/or 60 days to 1 year in license suspension. However, in New York, DUI offenders may face no jail time, a fine from $500 to $1,000 and 6 months in license suspension.
Your repercussions will be calculated based on the state in which you have the accident. If you receive a ticket in one state, you will be responsible for handling and paying for that ticket in that same state. The ticket will generally go to a court within the state that it occurred.
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