Travel + Fun

Our Partner Responses to the Coronavirus Pandemic

Below you will find updates about the support Union Plus and our partners are providing including offering online tools that support social distancing, billing accommodations for those directly impacted by this pandemic and evolving virtual customer service access.



Union Plus Hardship Help — Here When You Need Us

If your family has been directly impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please visit our Hardship Help Resources.

Participants in our Union Plus Mortgage, Credit Card, Personal Loan or supplemental insurance programs may be eligible for additional hardship assistance through our Mortgage Assistance Program or other Union Plus hardship assistance programs.

LEARN ABOUT UNION PLUS HARDSHIP BENEFITS

Union Plus Job Loss Grant Qualification Period Just Reduced

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the qualification period for Job Loss Grants has been reduced from 90 days to 45 days through September 30, 2020.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR JOB LOSS GRANT



Wells Fargo Announces Aid for Customers and Communities Impacted by COVID-19

Wells Fargo has executed its comprehensive response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which includes offering fee waivers, payment deferrals and other expanded assistance for impacted mortgage customers.

In addition, Wells Fargo is suspending residential property foreclosure sales and evictions at this time

VISIT THE WELLS FARGO CORONAVIRUS RESOURCE PAGE



The Hartford Suspends Policy Cancellations in Response to Coronavirus Pandemic

To offer support during this challenging time, until June 1, 2020, The Hartford will temporarily suspend policy cancellations due to non-payment of premiums for payments due for February, March and April 2020.

Visit The Hartford’s COVID-19 Resource Center 



AT&T is Offering 24/7 Online Support & Billing Options for Impacted Customers

AT&T has waived pending termination and late payment fees for customers experiencing financial hardship due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as offering 24/7 online customer support.

GET AT&T ACCOUNT SUPPORT



Union Plus Credit Card

Capital One is here to help cardholders who may be impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

LEARN MORE



Union Plus Get Your Degree for Free from Your Home

Your education doesn't need to be put on hold because of social distancing. With extended registration and semester dates and additional financial aid options for related expenses, Free College remains a great way to further your education, while keeping safe social distances and remaining healthy.

Unemployed, furloughed, laid off union workers and their extended family members are all eligible to enroll in Free College.

Summer session begins June 1, 2020.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FREE COLLEGE



Collette Vacation Tours Changes and Travel Advisories

In response to the current Coronavirus pandemic, all tours through June 30, 2020 have been cancelled.

VISIT THE COLLETTE WEBSITE
FOR ADDITIONAL CORONAVIRUS
TRAVEL CHANGES AND ADVISORIES



Complete Your Bachelor's Degree Online for Free

Your education doesn't have to wait because of the Coronavirus pandemic. With our Bachelor's Degree Completion Program, you can finish your Bachelor's Degree for free by enrolling in summer classes, starting May 18, 2020.

GET STARTED! NEXT SESSION STARTS MAY 18



MetLife Home & Auto Offers Billing Accommodations for Customers

MetLife Auto & Home® is providing financial relief, preserving coverage in the event of missed payments, and processing claims remotely to ensure social distancing. These measures include non-cancellations of homeowners, renters and auto insurance policies due to non-payment through July 1, 2020 and a 15% credit for April and May for customers who are paid to date.

Please contact MetLife Home & Auto at 855-666-5797 to discuss options available to you.

GET MORE METLIFE CUSTOMER INFORMATION



Thinking of our Pets During the Pandemic

If you're one of these new pet families, (or are ready to take the pet plunge), you probably have some questions — Pets Best is here to help.

  • Free Articles and Tips: Check out the Pets Best Blog for free access to articles with tips about virtual pet care, working from home, pet adoption, and more.
  • Virtual Resources for Pets Best Customers: Pets Best customers have access to a 24/7 pet helpline where veterinary experts can answer questions about your pet’s health – day or night from the comfort of your home.

CONTACT PETS BEST CUSTOMER CARE



Shop Online for Glasses & Contacts

Our vision plans let you shop online for frames and contacts at participating providers like LensCrafters, Target Optical, Glasses.com and ContactsDirect.

LEARN MORE



Credit Counseling Shifts Online

Our Credit Counseling program has shifted to phone and online services as we weather this pandemic.

CALL 877-833-1745 AVAILABLE 24/7 OR LEARN MORE ONLINE



Union Plus Personal Loan Program

If you are having trouble making a timely loan payment due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please call 855-682-9377 for assistance.



Medicare’s Coverage of the Coronavirus

Medicare now covers Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and covers treatment in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities.

LEARN MORE & FIND AFFORDABLE MEDICARE PLANS



AFL-CIO Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Page

The AFL-CIO has compiled a Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic resource page with valuable information and updates. In addition, please check out your union's website as they may have additional information and resources.

VISIT THE AFL-CIO RESOURCE PAGE



Helpful Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

VISIT CDC.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)


Hertz is Offering Free Car Rentals to Healthcare Workers in New York City

Hertz is stepping up and offering essential healthcare workers on the front lines of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in New York City free, month-long vehicle rentals* through April 30. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW HERTZ IS SUPPORTING NYC HEALTHCARE WORKERS



United Auto Workers at Ford and General Motors Work to Build Ventilators — helping to "Stop the Spread" of the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Both Ford and General Motors have stepped up to build much-needed ventilators for patients across the country suffering from symptoms of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

United Auto Workers (UAW) International President Rory Gamble noted, "From the days of Rosie the Riveter, UAW members have stepped up during difficult times in this nation’s history for the good of us all."

We salute the efforts of Ford and General Motors and hail the United Auto Workers of America. We send thanks and well wishes — the work they do will saves lives.

Posted Date
Image
Our Partner Responses to the Coronavirus Pandemic
Disclaimer

Hertz Healthcare Honor:
*Offer valid for one time rental of up to one month from date of pick up and is valid through April 30, 2020 at participating locations. Applicable car classes include economy, compact, mid-size, and full-size, subject to availability. Driver must present valid medical ID from a healthcare system and a valid driver’s license at reservation pick-up. Offer includes base rate, taxes, and fees. Renter is responsible for re-fueling, tolls, add-on services, and any incurred damage. Additional terms apply.

Summary

We'll get through this — together. We're proud to be continuously working as an organization and with our partners to support your families and the health of our communities.

Author(s)
Mitch Stevens, President Union Plus
Featured Image

Get the Most out of Your Vacation with Collette Guided Tours

 

Get it all with Collette Vacation Tours

Collette Vacation Tours offer you more for less (stress). Collette gives you more value for your money in every way, from devising your itinerary and trip logistics for you to having a highly trained tour manager at your service. With Collette, you're able to customize your adventure with all of the iconic must-sees and authentic cultural experiences you have on your bucket list! 

Expert Tour Guides
Collette’s team of experts have built relationships all over the world. Collette’s tour managers have their own rich backgrounds which are complemented with extensive training to enhance each journey. In addition to your tour manager, you’ll get in-depth insight from locally based guides. You can count on Collette's highly trained experts every step of the way for restaurant suggestions, historic information, and so much more.

Cultural Immersion
The cultural experiences you’ll find as part of each itinerary are travel moments which immerse you into the destination. Whether you're interested in preparing tea in Japan or learning how to play the bagpipes in Scotland, Collette has you covered. 

Options on Tour
Collette understands that every traveler is unique. Collette has itineraries with choices built in so that you can customize your own adventures. All of these choices are included with the price of your tour! Enhance your experience and make the most of your time in the world. 

BROWSE TOURS 
For reservations, call Collette at 844-868-2685 or contact your travel professional.

Use offer code UNIONSAVE.
Mention your union member benefit and save an additional $50 per person!*

Posted Date
Image
Disclaimer

*Use offer code and your member benefit for savings. Savings are comprised of retail offer together with member benefit. Offer valid on new bookings only and can expire earlier due to space or inventory availability. Retail offer savings amount will vary by tour and departure date and is only available on select departures. Call or visit http://www.collette.com/offers for details. Space is on a first come, first served basis. Offers are not valid on group, existing bookings or combinable with any other offer. Other restrictions may apply. Promotional pricing may remain in effect after the expiration date.

Benefit
Benefit Image
Benefit Subtext
Once in a lifetime trips made easy!
Summary

Let Collette Vacation Tours take care of all your trip details while you make memories that will last a lifetime. 

Topics
Author(s)
Union Plus Travel Team

Avoid Roadblocks at the Car Rental Counter – Join Budget Fastbreak©


Want a quick exit from the rental counter? 

Join Budget Fastbreak. It's smart, simple and fast.

  • As a Fastbreak member, you simply flash your valid license, pick up your keys and escape the long lines.
  • Returns are just as easy with Fastbreak return. You'll have a special place to drop the car and get on with your day - and your receipt will be emailed to you.

You'll also receive exclusive deals that save you time and money.

Our favorite shortcut. Store your vehicle preferences, rental history and upcoming reservations on Budget.com/UnionPlus. Speed up your experience by choosing Fastbreak Return and e-Receipt.

Fastbreak Members, earn $25 in Budget Bucks

  • Rent twice now through December 31, 2019 and Budget will mail you $25 in Budget Bucks.
  • There is no limit to how many Budget Bucks you can earn, so keep renting!

Register to start earning Budget Bucks today. 

Join Budget Fastbreak Now

 

Posted Date
Image
Learn more about Budget Fastbreak
Summary

No paperwork. No delays. No worries. Be a smart traveler and join Budget Fastbreak today. 

Topics
Author(s)
Union Plus Team

Travel Guide: Five Secrets to Traveling Light


1. Limit your clothing options

Having multiple wardrobe options is a luxury the light traveler cannot afford. Instead, pack different pieces in the same color palette. You’ll be surprised at all the different ways a few  items can work together. Bring simple jewelry and a scarf to add flair to your outfits.

2. Pack only two or three pairs of shoes

Limit yourself to just two or three pairs of shoes, always putting comfort first. Choose a good pair of walking shoes and one versatile dressy pair. Bring flip-flops if the pool or the beach is a possibility.

3. Travel sized toiletries

Purchase mini bottles (or reuse empty hotel shampoo bottles) to hold your essential products. Think about what you’ll be doing and only bring what you really need. Are four shades of lipstick really necessary? Probably not.

4. Bring a personal item bag

Personal item bags are allowed on airplanes in addition to a carry-on. Choose a large purse, small backpack or messenger bag to carry your phone charger, passport, wallet, snacks, water bottle and any other essentials.

5. Read eBooks 

Physical books are heavy and take up a lot of space. Before taking off, download eBooks on your phone or tablet. You’ll be able to bring more while saving lots of space.

Learn more about Collette Tours

 

Posted Date
Image
Packing light
Summary

Packing for a trip can be a lesson in frustration. You intend to pack light, but that voice inside your head that says “I need all of this stuff!” can be pretty bossy. Collette tours has recently partnered with Union Plus to offer discounts on guided tours around the world. With 100 years of travel experience, their travel experts have shared these secrets to avoid over-packing for your next vacation.

Topics
Author(s)
Union Plus Team

Union-Made Fourth of July Celebration


Fire up a Union-made Grill
  • Weber (made by International Union of Allied Novelty and Production Workers)
  • Thermador (IBB-made)
Union-made Food for Grilling 
  • Butterball burgers and franks
  • Johnsonville brats and sausage
  • Wenzel's sausage
  • Smithfield sausage
  • Oscar Meyer hot dogs
  • Boars Head hot dogs
  • Ball Park Franks
  • Hebrew National franks
  • Foster Farms fresh chicken
  • Hormel Red Franks
  • Nathan's Ball Park hot dogs
Union-made Fun in a Bun
  • Wonder brand
  • Ball Park buns
  • Alfred Nickles Bakery
  • Stroehmann
  • Arnold
  • Francisco
Union-made Fixin's
  • Heinz Ketchup
  • Open Pit
  • French's
  • Gulden's Mustard
  • Frank's Red Hot
  • Vlasic brand pickles
  • Horizon Cheese
  • Kraft Cheese
  • Mission salsa & dip
  • Burnham & Morrill Baked Beans
Union-made Snacks on the Side
  • Munchos
  • Frito-Lay
  • Funyuns
  • Doritos
  • Rold Gold
  • Chex Mixes
  • Sara Lee snacks
  • Planter’s Peanuts
  • Utz Pretzels
  • Mission chips
  • Entenman’s snacks 
Alcoholic Beverages
  • Union-Made beers
  • Bacardi rum
  • Gallo Estates wine
  • Corbett Canyon wine
  • Almaden wine
Beverages
  • Welch's Juices
  • Minute Maid
  • Hawaiian Punch
  • Mott's
  • V8
  • Sprite
  • Mountain Dew
  • Pepsi, Diet Pepsi
  • Coke, Diet Coke
Treats
  • Breyers ice cream
  • Good Humor ice cream
  • Prairie Farms ice cream
Containers
  • Solo cups, bowls, and plates
Receive Union-made Shopping Lists on Your Phone
  • Text AIRLINE to 22555 for union-friendly airlines
  • Text APPLIANCE to 22555 for union-made appliances
  • Text BEER to 22555 for union-made beer
  • Text CARS to 22555 for union-made vehicles
  • Text CANDY to 22555 for union-made candy
  • Text HOTEL to 22555 for union-friendly hotels
  • Text PETS to 22555 for union-made pet products
  • Text TOYS to 22555 for union-made toys
Posted Date
Image
Fourth of July Food Display
Disclaimer

*Msg&Data Rates May Apply. Reply STOP to opt-out. We'll text you about once a month. Terms & Conditions/Privacy Policy. Reply HELP or contact help@unionplus.org for help.

This original article was published by the AFL-CIO.

Summary

Celebrate the Fourth of July the union way — and show your patriotism by shopping union-made for your Independence Day get-together. From grills, buns, snacks and beverages, you'll be sure to find several union-made items to ensure you and your guests celebrate America's birthday in solidarity!

Author(s)
Union Plus Content Team

Union Tips for U.S. Trips: Summer Travel Series

  1. Union Monuments — Across the nation, there are great monuments to the labor union legacy, and some may even be closer than you realize. Add these sites to your travel itinerary to put a union twist on your summer plans.

    Blog Post Image_UnionMonuments_750x423.jpg

  2. Unionized Resorts — Summer is synonymous with the beach! So, let’s check out some U.S. beach towns and resorts where sun, fun and union come together for a great vacation.

    Union Trips-Beach Resorts.jpg

  3. National Parks — America’s 60 national parks are filled with treasures that often rival those around the world. Right in our own backyards, union families can experience wonders from glaciers to coral reefs. With so many to choose from, we picked our favorite features and found that “Made-in-America” has never looked so stunning!

    BlogPost_NatlParks_.jpg
Travel Savings

Before you leave town, be sure you're taking advantage of all the Union Plus travel benefits — including:

SEE ALL TRAVEL BENEFITS

Posted Date
Disclaimer

*Terms and conditions apply.

Summary

Welcome to Union Tips for U.S. Trips — a summer travel series for union members and their families. Watch these fun videos for vacation ideas or just to be charmed by awesome destinations including union monuments, union resorts, national parks and more. We hope you’ll be inspired to travel union and save money with the Union Plus Travel & Entertainment programs.

Topics
Author(s)
Union Plus Travel Team

Union Tips for U.S. Trips: National Parks

BlogPost_NatlParks_.jpg

  1. Endangered Glaciers
    North America was once covered in glaciers. The last of America’s glaciers are mostly in Alaska at Denali, Lake Clark, Glacier Bay, Kenai Fjords and Wrangell-Saint Elias national parks. And, perhaps surprisingly, also in Glacier National Park, Montana and Mount Rainier, Washington.
     
  2. Fantastic Forests
    King’s Canyon, Redwood and Sequoia national parks, California all have giant sequoia and redwood trees including some of the largest trees recorded.

    Joshua Tree, California is a desert landscape populated by vast stands of Joshua trees. 
     
  3. Amazing Rock Formations
    Find impressive natural sandstone arches, spires, mesas and other rock formations at Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion national parks in Utah
     
  4. Grand Canyons
    Yellowstone, Wyoming is home to its own 24-mile long Grand Canyon.

    Grand Canyon, Arizona — the 277 mile-long canyon is the second most visited national park in the U.S. and is often listed as one of the Wonders of the World.
     
  5. Hot Springs and Geysers
    Yellowstone which sits in three states — Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho — has about 10,000 geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and hot spring terraces. 

    Hot Springs, Arkansas has 47 hot springs that provide the famous Bathhouse Row with therapeutic waters.
     
  6. Vast Sandy Deserts
    Death Valley, which sits in both California & Nevada, is the hottest, lowest, and driest place in the U.S. It’s so infamous that almost 100 movies and TV shows have featured Death Valley.

    Great Sand Dunes, Colorado boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America.
     
  7. Sublime Lakes
    For some truly great lakes look to these national parks:
  8. Coral Reefs
    Tropical marine life may not spring to mind when thinking of national parks but there are several dedicated to preserving endangered coral reefs including: 
  9. Massive Caves/Caverns
Start Your National Parks Travel Adventure

Before you leave town, be sure you're taking advantage of all the Union Plus travel benefits — including:

SEE ALL TRAVEL BENEFITS

Posted Date
Disclaimer

*Terms and conditions apply.

Summary

America’s 60 national parks are filled with treasures that often rival those around the world. Right in our own backyards, union families can experience wonders from glaciers to coral reefs. With so many to choose from, we picked our favorite features and found that “Made-in-America” has never looked so stunning!

Topics
Author(s)
Union Plus Travel Team

Union Tips for U.S. Trips: Unionized Resorts

Union Trips-Beach Resorts.jpg

  1. San Juan, Puerto Rico
    This U.S. territory surrounded by the Caribbean Sea is ready to welcome tourists after the devastation of Hurricane Maria. The capital city of San Juan has several unionized resorts that guarantee your vacation money will support fellow union members and the rebuilding efforts.
     
  2. Orlando, Florida
    Disney World parks and resorts employ over 38,000 unionized workers.

    Union Plus offers discounted tickets to water and theme parks including Walt Disney World, FL.

    Rent a car with your Union Plus discount to visit Orlando’s many lakes and springs or nearby Cocoa and Daytona beaches. 
     
  3. Anaheim, California
    Sunny Southern California is home to about 150 beaches! Several are as close as 30 minutes to Disneyland parks and resorts where over 30,000 union members bring the magic of Disney to the West Coast.

    Union Plus offers discounted tickets to water and theme parks including Disneyland, CA.
     
  4. Maryland Casino Resorts
    Several unionized casino resorts lie in the center of Baltimore and National Harbors. At night, experience restaurants, nightlife and amazing views of the harbor waterways.

    By day, rent a car with your Union Plus discount to discover nearby Ocean City or Chesapeake Bay beaches. 
     
  5. Miami, Florida
    Miami is color, cuisine and a crazy good time. It’s one sophisticated beach town everyone should have a chance to see. When you visit, stay at one of several unionized hotels including the famous Fontainebleau Resort, Miami Beach Resort and more.
     
  6. Boston and Cape Code, Massachusetts
    In and around historic Boston Harbor are tons of unionized hotels.

    Rent a car with your Union Plus discount to enjoy the many idyllic beach towns that sit on the famous Cape Cod.
Start Your Unionized Resorts Travel Adventure

Before you leave town, be sure you're taking advantage of all the Union Plus travel benefits — including:

SEE ALL TRAVEL DEALS

Posted Date
Disclaimer

*Terms and conditions apply.

Summary

Summer is synonymous with the beach! So let’s check out some U.S. beach towns and resorts where sun, fun and union come together for a great vacation.

Topics
Author(s)
Union Plus Travel Team
Featured Image

Union Tips for U.S. Trips: Union Monuments

2018-05_Entertainment_UnionMonuments.jpg

Check out this list of union sites around the country!
  1. Amtrak Workers’ Memorial  — Washington, DC  
    Memorial that honors those Amtrak employees who lost their lives in performance of their duties.

    Fun fact: The Amtrak Workers' Memorial is located in Washington, DC's Union Station.
     
  2. Memphis Strike of 1968 Monument — Memphis, TN
    This gallery expands the story of the 1968 Memphis sanitation strike. Features exhibits and videos highlighting Rev. James Lawson and T.O. Jones, who courageously waged the battle on behalf of striking sanitation workers.

    Fun fact:The iconic "I Am a Man" signs held by strikers and the garbage truck from the original exhibition can be found here. 
     
  3. Haymarket Martyrs Memorial — Chicago, IL  
    On May 4, 1886, what began as a peaceful rally to protest unfair working conditions erupted into violence after a man threw a bomb at police, resulting in injuries and deaths among both protesting workers and police officers. Eight union activists were wrongfully accused, convicted and hanged. This monument is a reminder of the lives lost during the fight for workers rights.

    Fun fact: Visitors often leave union buttons, flowers and other tokens at the base of the monument.
     
  4. Pullman National Monument Site — Chicago, IL 
    Chicago may be most well-known for its blustery weather, but it's also home to a rich labor history as well. The Pullman National Monument Site honors Chicago’s labor history with a series of monuments, museums and other important landmarks — one of which was the scene of a violent strike in the 1890s.

    Fun fact: The Pullman District was the first model, planned industrial community in the United States.
     
  5. Mother Jones Monument — Union Miners' Cemetery, Mount Olive, IL
    This 22-foot granite monument pays tribute to the achievements of Mother Jones, the woman who is credited with co-founding the Industrial Workers of the World labor union and coordinating several major strikes.

    Fun fact: The Mother Jones monument is also her official burial site.
     
  6. Ludlow Monument — Ludlow, CO 
    Colorado is a major mining state, producing everything from gold to coal during its mining history. The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) erected the monument to honor the victims of the Ludlow, CO massacre, an event in which over 1,000 striking coal miners were attacked by the Colorado National Guard and guards from the Colorado Fuel & Iron Company.

    Fun fact: Another mining monument, the Victor American Hastings Mine Disaster Monument, is less than two miles away from the Ludlow monument.
     
  7. Rosie the Riveter WWII National Historical Park — Richmond, CA
    It's no secret that Rosie is one of most recognizable faces of the labor movement. This memorial goes beyond the iconic image to honor all the “Rosies” — working women of WWII and beyond.

    Fun fact: The Rosie the Riveter Trust (the nonprofit trust behind the Rosie the Riveter WWII Park) operates a free summer camp for at risk youth called Rosie's Girls. The camp is modeled "after women like Rosie" to help young women gain courage and confidence in their abilities.
Start Your Labor History Travel Adventure

Ready to start your labor history travel adventure? Before you leave town, be sure you're taking advantage of all the Union Plus travel benefits — including:

SEE ALL TRAVEL OFFERS

Posted Date
Disclaimer

*Terms and Conditions apply.

Summary

Across the nation, there are great monuments to the labor union legacy, and some may even be closer than you realize. Add these sites to your travel itinerary to put a union twist on your summer plans and save with Union Plus Travel Benefits.

Topics
Author(s)
Union Plus Entertainment Team
Featured Post Image
Featured Image

Planning a Road Trip? Five Tips for Rental Car Safety


Renting a car this weekend? Whether you’re heading off for a last-minute getaway or you’ve been planning a trip for months, these simple tips can help you stay safe and enjoy your journey.

1. Prevent Distracted Driving

Safe driving and avoiding distractions are important whenever you’re behind the wheel, and especially if you’ve rented a car to drive in an unfamiliar area. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2015, over 3,400 people were killed, and 391,000 injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. Distractions may include texting, talking on a phone or anything that causes you to lose focus on the road ahead and driving conditions.

Help reduce the chances of an accident in your rental car by staying focused and alert — make necessary adjustments to your vehicle before you start driving, tell your other passengers to keep noise levels down and don’t respond to calls or text messages while you’re behind the wheel.  

2. Plan Your Routes Ahead of Time

You might want your road trip to feel like a spontaneous adventure, but it’s good to have an idea of where you’re going, where you’re staying, what sites you plan to visit, restaurants and rest stops along the way so you can plan your driving route carefully. Online services like Roadtrippers can help you plan ahead, so you can avoid getting lost in an unsafe area, or extra charges for added mileage on your rental car.

3. Let Map Apps Guide You While Driving

Even if you plan your driving routes ahead of your trip, navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps can help keep you on track with voice directions while you’re driving. If you take a wrong turn, most apps will recalculate and help get you back on track, so you don’t have to worry about looking at a map or having your copilot read off directions the whole time. Another bonus, these apps often include navigation adjustments based on real-time construction, road closures or accidents.

Pick up a car mount for your cell phone that attaches to your vehicle’s air vent before your trip so you can stay hands-free while driving.

4. Research Local By-Laws Before You Go

Nothing disrupts a long-anticipated trip like a traffic ticket. Before heading out, research the local laws and regulations, which may differ by state. For example, can you turn right at a red light? Are U-turns legal? And where is it okay to park? Know the rules ahead of time to stay safe and avoid aggravation when you’re driving in a new place.

5. Make Sure You Have Rental Car Insurance

For an extra layer of protection and peace of mind, make sure your car insurance policy covers rental cars. If you have an accident, the costs to the rental agency are covered. These costs could include:

  • Loss of use: The agency’s lost daily income because the car couldn’t be used
  • Reasonable fees and charges: Like storage or other costs charged by the rental company
  • Market value loss of the damaged rental car: In states other than North Carolina, there may be a charge for the loss of value of the car even after it’s been repaired.

Planning ahead for a road trip doesn’t have to be complicated. Make sure your rental car experience is a safe one, so you can save yourself time, money and stress.


 

Posted Date
Image
happy family on road trip
Disclaimer

MetLife Auto Insurance offered by Union Plus covers rental cars.  CALL 1-855-666-5797 and mention discount code DJ7 or GET A QUOTE ONLINE.

Benefit
Benefit Image
happy woman with child
Benefit Subtext
Union Plus Auto Insurance
Summary

There's nothing quite like hitting the open road. Road trips are a great way to explore scenic highways and unfamiliar cities and towns. Stay safe and enjoy your journey with these tips for rental car safety. 

Topics
Author(s)
Metlife YourLife
Featured Image