Carpooling to Sports Events this Summer? Make Sure Your Insurance is on Board

With summer here, weekend sports tournaments and summer camps are in full swing. For many parents, that means shuttling not just their own children, but also their kids’ friends or teammates. While carpooling can be a lifesaver for busy families, it also brings added responsibilities, especially when it comes to your auto insurance.

When you drive other people’s children, you’re taking on a greater level of liability. If an accident occurs, you could be held accountable not just for your passengers, but for any children riding in your vehicle. It’s important to understand that your auto insurance policy is what covers medical expenses and liability in this case, not the parents of the other children. This means your coverage limits and liability protection are crucial if something goes wrong.

Here are a few things you should do to ensure you’re adequately prepared before offering those rides:

1. Review Your Liability Limits: Make sure your liability coverage is sufficient. Many experts recommend at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident in bodily injury liability. If you’re carrying state minimums, it might not be enough to protect you fully.
   
   
2. Consider an Umbrella Policy: For extra protection, look into an umbrella insurance policy, which adds an additional layer of liability coverage. This can be especially valuable if you frequently carpool or drive long distances for sports events.
   
   
3. Ensure Proper Seat Belt and Car Seat Use: You are legally responsible for making sure every child is properly secured. That includes car seats for younger kids and seat belts for older ones.
   
   
4. Talk to Your Agent: Before the busy summer season, it’s a good idea to check in with your insurance agent to verify you have the right coverage for carpooling.

Additionally, it’s important to consider Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, not just for you, but for your children who may ride with someone else. If your child is a passenger in another vehicle and that driver lacks adequate insurance, UM/UIM coverage on your policy can help pay for medical expenses. This ensures your kids are protected, even if the person driving them is not. Carpooling is a great way to help out, but it’s important to make sure you’re covered in case the unexpected happens. A quick review of your policy now can save a lot of headaches later.