Finding the Best Car Insurance for Travel Nurses

Travel nurses take on temporary assignments across the country, providing vital healthcare services to communities in need. With a mobile lifestyle requiring frequent travel, having proper auto insurance coverage is essential for travel nurses. This article will cover everything travel nurses need to know about getting the right car insurance, from policy types to discounts and tips for maximizing coverage.

Why Travel Nurses Need Car Insurance

There are several key reasons travel nurses need reliable car insurance:

• Meet legal requirements – All states require minimum liability coverage, which protects other drivers. Having insurance is mandatory.

• Liability protection – Insurance covers injury/damage costs if a travel nurse causes an accident. This protects against potentially massive out-of-pocket expenses.

• Collision coverage – This pays for repairs or replacement if a travel nurse’s vehicle is damaged in an accident. Essential for frequent drivers.

• Comprehensive coverage – This protects against theft, vandalism, weather damage and other non-collision incidents. Crucial for nurses traveling long distances.

• Emergency roadside assistance – Travel nurses can get stranded on the road. Roadside assistance provides key support.

• Reimbursement for rental cars – Some insurers reimburse for rental cars used for work purposes.

The right insurance gives travel nurses coverage, protection and peace of mind across all their driving needs.

Types of Car Insurance for Travel Nurses

Travel nurses need policies that accommodate their frequent travel and time on the road. Key types of auto insurance include:

Liability Insurance:

• Bodily Injury Liability – Covers injured parties’ medical bills if the nurse causes an accident
• Property Damage Liability – Covers damage to others’ property if caused by the nurse
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist – Protects against drivers with insufficient or no insurance

Collision Insurance:

• Covers repair or replacement costs if the travel nurse’s vehicle is damaged in an accident

Comprehensive Insurance:

• Covers costs related to theft, vandalism, weather, fire, animals and other non-collision damage

Medical Payments:

• Covers medical expenses for travel nurses and passengers, regardless of fault

Roadside Assistance:

• Provides towing, tire changes, gas delivery and other roadside help

Rental Car Reimbursement:

• Reimburses rental car expenses for work purposes

Comparing Car Insurance Companies

With many insurance providers available, travel nurses should compare several companies using an online insurance comparison tool. Key factors to consider:

• Cost – Compare quotes from insurers to find the best rates. Get quotes from national and regional insurers.

• Coverage Details – Review policy terms, exclusions, limits and deductibles closely. Don’t just look at cost.

• Discounts – Ask about car insurance discounts for nurses, good driving records, anti-theft devices, etc.

• Ratings – Select highly rated insurers for customer satisfaction and claims experiences.

• Reviews – Read reviews from other travel nurses to gain insights on service quality.

• Roadside Assistance – Compare add-on options like roadside assistance across providers.

• Rental Car Coverage – See which insurers provide rental car reimbursement.

Taking time to compare multiple policies can help travel nurses identify affordable coverage that meets their unique needs.

Car Insurance Discounts for Nurses

Many top insurers offer special discounts to nurses, including:

• GEICO – Up to 8% off for select nurse association members

• Liberty Mutual – 12% discount for American Assoc. of Registered Nurses members

• Farmers – 5% discount for nurses in certain states

• Nationwide – Up to 10% off for American Nurses Association members

• State Farm – Discounts for completing defensive driving courses

To qualify, travel nurses may need to provide proof of nursing employment or association membership. Discounts provide significant long-term savings, so travel nurses should inquire about any opportunities for reduced rates.

Customizing Policies for Traveling Nurses

Travel nurses should tailor their policy to their driving needs:

• Higher liability limits – Required due to frequent travel to various locations

• Full coverage – Needed to get both collision and comprehensive protection

• Commuting coverage – For driving to distant temporary work locations

• Rental car reimbursement – Repays rental costs used for work purposes

• Roadside assistance – Provides key support when driving in unfamiliar places

Travel nurses should inform insurers about their occupation to obtain applicable discounts. Working closely with agents enables customization for a travel nurse’s transient lifestyle.

Maintaining Insurance While Traveling

To maintain proper coverage while on assignments, travel nurses should:

• ** Regularly compare rates** – Switch companies if better deals are available, using online comparison tools.

• Update contact information – Inform insurer about location/address changes to maintain valid policy.

• Review state requirements – Confirm minimum liability limits are met in each state working.

• Disclose business usage – Report if vehicle is used for work to ensure proper coverage.

• Submit paperwork – File necessary documents for reimbursements available through insurer.

• Renew policy – Don’t let policy lapse when moving to new assignments and locations.

Properly maintaining insurance while traveling for work involves diligence to keep policy updated, but pays off through continuous coverage.

Changing State of Residence

Travel nurses working temporary contracts across the U.S. may need to change their official state of residence for insurance purposes. Steps include:

• Obtain new driver’s license/registration in the new state.

• Transfer insurance policy to new state or switch providers.

• File taxes and register to vote in new state.

• Update car insurance company with new address and proof of residence change.

• Review new state’s minimum insurance requirements.

Changing state of residence takes planning, but ensures travel nurses remain properly licensed and covered.

Finding the Best Travel Nurse Car Insurance

The key to finding great car insurance for travel nurses is:

• Comparing quotes from top national and regional insurance companies

• Leveraging available discounts for medical professionals

• Understanding coverage needs for frequent travel

• Customizing policies with required coverages and limits

• Maintaining insurance diligently across locations and assignments

With the freedom of travel nursing comes responsibility. Taking the time to secure proper coverage provides peace of mind for every mile of the journey. Contact licensed agents to start planning your insurance needs today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of car insurance for travel nurses?

Average car insurance for travel nurses ranges from $100 – $250 per month based on factors like age, driving history, and policy limits. Discounts may be available to lower costs. Comparing quotes is the best way to find affordable rates.

Should travel nurses get rental car insurance?

It depends on your situation. Some policies include rental coverage, while others require purchasing it separately. Check with your insurer if a rental is needed for work travel purposes.

Does car insurance cover travel nurses across state lines?

Yes, your personal auto insurance travels with you and provides coverage across state lines. Just ensure the policy meets minimum liability requirements for the states you’ll be traveling and working in.

What if a travel nurse gets in an accident out of state?

If a travel nurse is in an accident out of state, the process works the same as in their home state. Notify the insurer, file a claim, cooperate with any investigations, and pay the deductible. Rental reimbursement may help pay for a rental car if repairs are needed.

Should travel nurses update insurance when moving to a new state?

Yes, travel nurses should update their insurer whenever they officially move states long-term. This ensures compliance with the new state’s insurance minimums. They may need to switch to an in-state insurer if permanently relocating.