13 Items to Bring on a Road Trip

If you're in need of a quick weekend getaway or a long-week vacation from home, a smart and affordable solution is a road trip! Normally, gas is cheaper than airfare, and you don't have to sit in those long lines at the airport or wait for a layover. It can be less stressful and more fun on the road…if you're prepared!

Use this checklist before embarking on your next road trip to make sure you have all of the essentials and avoid any mishaps or unexpected surprises on the way to your destination:

1. Copy of your insurance card. This item should already be in your car, but it's always good to double-check and make sure it's up-to-date.

2. Spare tire. Make sure it's in good condition before you leave!

3. Roadside emergency kit. This includes items like jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, a flashlight, a window breaker, gloves, etc.

4. Cash. Sometimes you don't know where you're going to stop, and some stores may only take cash.

5. Water bottles. Stay hydrated! Having extra water on hand is very important, especially if you get stranded somewhere.

6. First aid kit. This should include supplies such as bandages, antiseptics and gauze pads.

7. Snow shovel and ice scraper… if traveling during the winter months! When driving through a snowy area, there's always the possibility of getting your car stuck, so these items are important to bring along.

8. Cellphone charger and extra battery pack. Your cell phone needs to have power at all times in case of an emergency. So take advantage of charging it in your car, and always have a fully charged battery pack on hand.

9. A blanket and travel pillow. If you are traveling with two or more people, it's likely you will take turns driving while the other one sleeps. Why not be comfortable while you're snoozing in the car?

10. Antibacterial hand wipes/body wipes. A shower isn't always possible on a road trip, so using body wipes may have to suffice!

11. Toiletries, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Keeping up with good hygiene is still possible on road trips. Bring these along so you can freshen up at rest stops.

12. Car-friendly snacks. Everyone needs delicious snacks for long road trips! If you're not bringing a cooler along, bring non-perishable food items like fruit cups, granola bars and beef jerky.

13. Garbage bags. No need to trash your car during the ride. Fill them up and then dump the bags at a rest stop or gas station when needed.

When Is the Best Time To Buy a Car?

Getting a great deal on a new car takes patience and strategic thinking. Salespeople at car dealerships have a lot of leeway when it comes to negotiating prices and included features. Regardless of whether you feel you are good at wheeling and dealing, you can greatly increase your chances of landing a great deal on your next new vehicle by simply figuring out the best time to buy a car.

We are committed to helping our customers save money not just on auto insurance but on all the things that are important in their lives. That is why we have compiled this article detailing the best and worst times to buy a new car. Use this guide when you are preparing to buy your next car or truck, and then let us know in the comments how you did.

What Are the Best Months To Purchase a New Car?

Believe it or not, by shopping during ideal months of the year, you can often land extremely good deals, even without putting much effort into your negotiations. These are the best months to shop:

• November/December: At this time of year, salespeople are desperate to make a large number of sales, and the managers at the dealerships are likely to permit them to make extremely good offers. This is because the dealerships have year-end quotas that they are striving to achieve and this will translate into greater incentives for the sales staff, including bigger bonuses. When you walk into a showroom at this time of year, be prepared to have the sales staff bend over backward to ensure that you leave with keys to a new car.

• August/September: Unless you are determined to own the most recent year’s model of a particular vehicle, this may be the best time to shop. This is when the next year's model shows up on showroom floors. Dealerships will be desperate to get rid of current-year models to make room for new cars. Although the next year’s model may have a few added features and different styling, the differences between cars from one model year to the next are usually not that great. Remember, even though the car may be one model year older, it is still a brand new car.

What Are the Worst Months To Purchase a New Car?

Of course, there are times of year that you are less likely to be able to negotiate a good deal. That is when dealerships are already very busy, inventory is moving nicely and the sales staff is not worried about meeting quotas. These are the worst months to make a purchase:

• February/March: This is when people start receiving tax refunds. Many people like to wait out the winter with old vehicles and then trade them in and use tax refunds as down payments on new cars. Dealerships are often very busy at this time of year, and great deals are scarce.

• April/May: This is when high school and college seniors are preparing to graduate, and many parents are buying them vehicles as graduation presents. Also, this is when the weather vastly improves, and many people feel more motivated to drive. Car dealerships rarely suffer from low sales during these months.

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Are There Better Times of Year To Purchase Specific Types of Cars?

There are certain times of the year when you are at an advantage for buying some kinds of vehicles. For example, look at these vehicles:

• Convertibles/Sports cars: For those who live in northern states where heavy snow and harsh winter weather are an issue, the purchase of a convertible or sports car is best handled in the winter months. Sports cars typically have rear-wheel drive, which gives the car a tendency to spin out of control, and convertibles lose their appeal when the top is up. If you are looking to purchase one of these cars, keep in mind that any car dealership will be more than happy to get one of these vehicles off their lot in the winter.

• Trucks and SUVs: The appeal of these vehicles for many is that they offer four-wheel or all-wheel drive, which makes for better road-control in the winter months. In the summer months, however, sales of these types of vehicles tend to drop. You may be able to negotiate a better deal by purchasing when the weather is warm. Another good time to purchase this type of vehicle, if you have your heart set on owning one, is when gas prices rise. As fuel costs go up, people tend to prefer to purchase high-gas-mileage vehicles, and sales on trucks and SUVs suffer.

What Is the Best Time of Day To Purchase a New Car?

Once you have completed your research and test drives and you know which vehicle you want to buy, it may be in your best interest to walk into the dealership when it is close to closing time. Salespeople and the dealership management will still be happy to wait on you. Because they will be anxious to get home after a long day, however, they may be less likely to push hard on their side of the negotiations and may be willing to offer you a fantastic deal just to make the sale as quickly as possible.

For the Best Prices, Know When To Buy a New Car

Remember, knowing when to buy a car is everything. Use timing to your advantage when shopping so you can make a great deal on your next new car. No matter what timing you chose, make sure you're covered from an insurance perspective. It's strongly advised that you have an independent professional source for the auto coverage you need. An independent agent is ready to help.