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Planning a Road Trip or Vacation?

Guard against car hassles with a few smart precautions

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., June 12 -- Nothing can ruin your vacation like problems on the road. A breakdown, accident or vandalism can put the kibosh on your planned good times. However, these problems can be minimized if you plan ahead.

"Before hitting the road, take some time to check your auto insurance and your car's running condition. Also, consider joining a motor club or review your club's benefits if you've already joined one," says Doug Reynolds, executive vice president, insurance operations of The Horace Mann Companies, which provides insurance to educators and offers motor club services through Cross Country Motor Club.

Get your insurance information in order.

If you're in an accident, having your auto insurance information readily available will save you time and hassle.

Make a special point to bring your current auto insurance card showing dates of coverage with you on vacation. This is important whether you are driving your own car or plan to rent one. If you plan to rent, bring your coverage declarations with you as well. Check them to see if your auto insurance covers you in a rental vehicle -- and any others in your family who may be driving.

Having this information with you will help you decide whether to buy rental car insurance. If you plan to drive in a foreign country (especially outside of Canada or Mexico), there's a good chance you will need to purchase rental car insurance. Also, check to see if your auto policy covers emergency "roadside assistance" services.

Consider the benefits of a motor club.

Even if your auto insurance provides roadside assistance, it may be wise to enhance these services by joining a motor club. The benefits provided by these clubs are becoming more comprehensive and high-tech. In addition to providing repair and towing services for flat tires, dead batteries and other problems, these plans sometimes provide services such as computerized maps and trip routing, as well as lost keys retrieval and bond and legal defense reimbursement. Motor clubs also can offer gas coupons and travel-related discounts (rental cars and lodging), as well as dining and entertainment discounts.

In addition to being provided by traditional motor clubs, these benefits are offered through affinity groups and insurance companies such as Horace Mann. "It's important to carefully compare club features including roadside assistance limits and number of members covered so that you can match your plan with the needs of you and your family," says Cathleen Sweeten, Horace Mann's director of business development and analysis.

Speed of response is another important factor. For example, Cross Country Motor Club, Horace Mann's motor club partner, has a nationwide network of 20,000 tow trucks, mechanics and service stations and will be able to reach you within 30 to 45 minutes, on average.

Do preventive maintenance before your trip. Before taking your road trip, change your oil, check your tire wear and battery, and attend to any nagging problems your car may have. For enhanced safety, check your brakes, lights, wipers, hoses and belts. During the summer, pay special attention to your air conditioning system and cooling system, since overheating is a common cause of breakdowns.

In case of emergencies, carry a cell phone, first-aid kit, flares and a flashlight in your car.

Attending to these matters before your trip will make them less likely to spoil your vacation fun.

Horace Mann -- the largest national multiline insurance company focusing on educators' financial needs -- provides auto and homeowners insurance, retirement annuities, life insurance and other financial solutions. Founded by educators for educators in 1945, the company is headquartered in Springfield, Ill. For more information, call your local agent or visit http://www.horacemann.com/.