<div>Driving away for a weekend getaway is one of the most preferred modes of relaxation and rejuvenation. The very thought of Coorg's lush greenery can lift the spirit of any Bangalorean The situation is pretty similar when a Chennai resident thinks of visiting Ooty's undulating hills or a Mumbaikar looks forward to a weekend at Mahabaleshwar. For most holiday planners at Kolkata the beaches of Digha it is, while many Delhites crave the pristine air of Musoorie.</div><div> </div><div><table align="right" border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="5" style="width: 120px"><tbody><tr><td><img alt="" src="http://bw-image.s3.amazonaws.com/sanjay1.jpg" style="width: 120px; height: 120px;"></td></tr><tr><td>Sanjay Kumar</td></tr></tbody></table>An increasing number of vacationers are opting to drive themselves down to nearby holiday getaways. Planning and being prepared for the trip is a great idea as a few mishaps could turn your getaway into a disaster. <strong>Sanjay Kumar</strong>, Head of Motor Underwriting, Bharti AXA General Insurance, talks about some of the preparedness which will keep you and your vehicle far from worries on a long road trip.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Things to remember</strong></div><div><strong>Check on your vehicle</strong>: Do make sure that your vehicle is ready for a long trip. Ensure that your car-jack, Spare tyre, brake fluid, windscreen wiper fluid have been checked and are in place. It is advisable to get your vehicle serviced right before the trip so you can rectify an issue at the garage itself rather than dealing with it on the highway. Also in case you do not know how to change a tyre or replace wiper fluid, please learn how to do so. Some basic vehicle repair knowledge can be of great help in some situations</div><div> </div><div><strong>Driving comfort</strong>: The roads of Ooty are known for their hairpin turns while several roads of Himachal are narrow and at dizzying heights with no parapets. Roads near Kochi are practically non-existent and paved with potholes. So do research a little about the roads you shall be driving on. Avoid something you are not comfortable with. If heights give you vertigoes then steer clear of hilly roads. If night driving gives you the jitters, then halt for the night and try and drive as much as possible when there is sufficient sunlight. Also if it's your first road trip do take a vehicle that you have been driving for some time. A first time road trip with a vehicle you've hardly driven and don't much about is not advisable especially if your road trip is over ten hours long.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Ensure phone connectivity</strong>: Make sure that your mobile phone's GPS and internet are working. Despite GPS if possible do carry paper maps to make sure you are on the right track even if your mobile goes dead. Also carry with you mobile phone charges and power banks so can avoid situation of dead phones and no connectivity. If possible carry a basic phone that has long battery life just in case.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Know your way around</strong>: Review your route and take advice of persons who have travelled to your selected destination via road. Read reviews on the route you will be opting for. Information about the areas you will pass shall prepare you for the same. In case you happen to be passing an area known for local aggression it is best to avoid spates and maintain your calm in case you are blamed for some damage. Map out all toll points and carry sufficient cash. Change would make it quick and easy for you at tolls. </div><div> </div><div><strong>Travel light</strong>: While a first aid kit is a must, along with sufficient food and water, with regards to clothes packing light is the best option. Choose duffel bags over hard suit cases. One medium duffel bag per passenger is ideal.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Carry all necessary vehicle documentation and follow rules</strong>: As you cross state borders, there are chances you will be stopped for checks by local authorities so do make sure you carry all vehicle documentation and your driving license. Also be sure to follow traffic rules and under no circumstances drive under the influence of alcohol. Dealing with an emergency involving police away from home can become a messy affair. </div><div> </div><div><strong>Always carry your vehicle insurance</strong>: It's the most important thing when one sets out for a long road trip. As in the absence of your vehicle insurance details will result in your policy being of no help to you when you need it the most. Always ensure that you carry the latest copy of your policy backed by proper proof in your vehicle. Along with this it is advisable to carry important contact numbers such as the customer care details of your insurance company as they always comes handy.<br> </div><div><strong>Include add- on cover to your original cover for more safety</strong>: A regular motor insurance usually doesn't address the customized needs of customers, as it gives an overall cover. Thus in order to have better insurance protection especially when you like to go out on a road trip (in your car), add-on covers are useful. Some of the useful add-on covers include the following: </div><div> </div><div><strong>Roadside assistance</strong>: This cover provides assistance to customers at the time of vehicle breakdown by towing the vehicle to the nearest garage for repairs, fixing the flat tyre, arranging alternative transport facility to the nearest town/customer's place in the event of major breakdown of vehicle, assistance in the case of lock out/lost keys, arrangement of emergency fuel in case the vehicle runs out of fuel, etc.,</div><div> </div><div><strong>Invoice price cover:</strong> This add-on covers the shortfall amount between the insured value and the invoice price of the vehicle along with other costs like road tax, registration and insurance amount. This cover works in the case of theft or total loss, hence can come quite handy in a long trip.</div><div><br><strong>Depreciation cover:</strong> God forbid if you happen to get your vehicle hit on the highway during the course of your long road trip it is quite likely that the damage would be massive. Typically under any comprehensive policy in case of a claim, the insured receives an amount that is subject to depreciation. He/she therefore receives an amount lower than the actual repair expense. So in case of massive damage, you may have to shell out quite a sum despite receiving insurance. With Depreciation cover the insured receives the depreciation amount deducted on the value of the parts replaced for up to 2 admissible claims.<br> </div><div><strong>Consumables cover:</strong> Depreciation cover does provide the depreciation amount deducted on the value of the parts. However there are still some expenses that do not come under the purview of Depreciation cover. These are consumable items like nuts, bolts, and brake fluid among others. Consumable cover pays for expenses incurred towards "those items or substances of specific use which at the time of loss are either totally consumed or rendered unfit for further consumption" arising out of damage to the vehicle insured and/or to its accessories caused by any peril as covered under the Policy. So you are particular about complete coverage its best to opt for both Depreciation and consumable coverage.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Covers for passenger safety:</strong> Whilst on the highway during a long road trip passenger safety sometimes becomes a concern while passing through rough terrain or with elderly or very young passengers. However motor insurance believe it or not offers products that cover personal safety of passengers. To ensure protection for not just your vehicle but also its passengers it's best to consider the given add-ons. </div><div> </div><div><strong>Personal accident cover:</strong> The capital sum insured is limited to maximum of Rs 2 lakh per person in case of permanent total disability, permanent partial disability, accidental death.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Hospital Cash</strong>: Offering of daily cash compensation of Rs.1000 per day when hospitalized, which will be received up to maximum of 30 days. </div><div> </div><div><strong>Ambulance charges cover:</strong> Choosing Ambulance Charges cover entitles to receive charges towards transportation of insured persons in Ambulance to the Hospital post suffering bodily injury caused by an accident while travelling in, embarking or disembarking from the insured vehicle.<br> </div><div>A judicious mix of proper insurance cover along with cautious precautions can ensure safe and fun-filled trip for you and your family. </div><div><br>Take care and drive safe!</div>
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