Stay safe on the road this holy week: Your ultimate car insurance & travel guide

Holy week is not just limited to religious observations, but it also translates into creating memories with family and friends. Many Filipinos are planning to head out and spend quality time with their loved ones. If you too are thinking about reuniting with family and exploring new destinations this holy week, then before heading out, this article is a must-read for you. Why?

Roads during the Holy Week are packed with cars, crowds, and festive celebrations. All this contributes to a risky situation for your car, as the risk of collision, accident, or uncertainty is high. It, therefore, necessitates having proper knowledge on subjects like adequate car insurance coverage, road safety, and traffic rules, regulations, signs, and symbols. While you can learn about the latter here, it is crucial to also know the different violations and their respective fines and penalties imposed by the LTO; know about the latter in our two-part series,  Part I and  Part II. This will enable you to be extra cautious on the road.

Also Read: All you need to know about seatbelts: Rules, penalties, & more.

Moving on, what is also important is having adequate insurance coverage, as a vehicle with appropriate coverage will lower the owner’s unforeseen financial burden and add to his/her peace of mind.

Also Read: No car insurance? Here’s what can go wrong in the Philippines

However, if you are planning to take advantage of car rental service, we’d advise you to pick the one offering adequate insurance coverage. Learn more about it here. Keep on reading and discover everything you should know about vehicle prep and insurance when going out this Holy Week with friends and family.

So, let’s get started -

Holy week road trip - Vehicle prep

When we say vehicle prep, we are talking about car maintenance and inspection, which are necessary before heading out on a journey. This will ensure a smooth ride with no major setbacks because of the car or its components. Overall, they’ll make sure the vehicle is in optimal condition and can be trusted with your loved ones and you. The table below tells you what needs to be done -

Comprehensive car check-up	Get the car thoroughly checked by a professional. Pay special attention to the battery health, lights, and ensure proper working of basic functions like infotainment system, tyre pressure monitor, brakes, etc.
Fluid level check	Make sure that the levels of essential car fluids are apt; the list includes engine oil, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, and coolant.
Tyre pressure & condition inspection	Verify that the tyres are well-inflated and the tread depth is apt. Double-check the spare tyres and their condition.
Emergency preparedness	Equip your vehicle well to handle an unexpected situation. This can be done by stocking essentials like a basic emergency tool kit, jack, spare tyre, and ample food (preferably non-perishable items) and water.

 

Also Read:  Emergency guide: How to handle brake failure safely

Holy week road trip - Self prep

In addition to preparing the vehicle for the journey, it is essential to do some self-prep. Doing so will ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. The table below guides you through the to-do list -

Route planning	Holy week is synonymous to high traffic, which calls out for planning in advance for alternative routes to avoid congested areas. We’d suggest you use real-time traffic apps for this. Further, we’d suggest marking rest stops in advance to combat driving fatigue (one of the main causes of road accidents). It is advisable to download offline maps in advance to counter limited internet coverage areas.
Carry essentials	While it is essential to equip the car with an emergency kit as mentioned above, it is equally important to have a self-protective kit including a hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray, face masks, and first-aid kit. Further, keep handy a list of emergency contacts, including roadside assistance, emergency services, and a local hospital.
Knowing & following safe driving practices	It is important to adhere to road safety guidelines during long trips. This includes - Taking adequate rest before driving. Avoiding distractions, stay focused, and say no to mobile phones while driving. Refrain from alcohol consumption. Wear a seatbelt at all times, also make sure the passenger also complies. Adhere to traffic signals, road signs, and speed limits.
Don’t forget the little ones.	For families or parents travelling with kids, it is essential to keep the little ones happy, safe, and comfortable throughout the trip. This car can be done by carrying their favorite toys, preferred snacks, and drinks.

Also Read: New year, same ride: Fresh car care habits for 2025

Holy week trip & car insurance

There is no hiding from the fact that the holy week is one of the busiest travel times in the Philippines. Whether you are planning a fun reunion with your family in your province or taking a trip with friends to a popular destination, what remains a common sight is jam-packed roads, which increases the likelihood of breakdowns, accidents, and other unforeseen events. Here car insurance comes into the picture, which is where car insurance comes into the picture, offering a crucial safety net.

Before getting to know why car insurance is a crucial aspect of Holy Week travel, let us first get a rough understanding of car insurance in the Philippines. Starting with the type of car insurance -

Types of car insurance in the Philippines

There are two types of car insurance for Filipino buyers: Compulsory Third Party Liability Insurance and Comprehensive Car Insurance. While the former is mandatory, the other can be opted out of. It is a bit expensive but offers greater coverage.

Compulsory Third Party Liability (CTPL)

It is the minimum insurance requirement for car owners in the country. It offers financial protection against third-party injuries and death in the event of an accident caused by the insured vehicle. It is one of the crucial necessities for vehicle registration at LTO.

Comprehensive car insurance

The comprehensive insurance offers broader coverage compared to CTPL insurance. During the Holy Week, when high-traffic is observed, comprehensive insurance is advisable, as it ensures extensive coverage.

For instance, it offers protection against the following -

• Personal Accident: In case of an accident, this one offers medical coverage to the driver and passenger who have incurred injuries.
• Acts of God: This one offers protection against damage caused to the car during a natural disaster like flood, earthquake, or typhoon.
• Own Damage: It covers damages caused by fire, explosion, burglary, etc.
• Other coverages: Damage caused due to riots, strikes, malicious acts by third parties, legal liabilities for third parties (in case of death or bodily injury), third-party liability or damage caused to someone else's property, and damage caused by accidental collision and overturning.

Why is car insurance essential during Holy Week?

This question can be answered by discussing a few common or possible scenarios that could occur during the holy week and how car insurance can be helpful during those tricky times.

Common Holy week scenario	Insurance solution
Traffic congestion, increased risk of collision, & more reckless driving	Insurance will cover expenses related to car damage, medical expenses, and third-party liability due to an accident.
Vehicle breakdowns like engine trouble, a flat tyre, overheating	Roadside assistance service offers services like battery jump-start, minor repairs, to help stranded drivers.
Car theft	Car insurance with theft protection ensures financial compensation for a stolen vehicle.
Natural disasters, including earthquakes, flash floods, landslides, etc	Acts of Nature/God is an add-on coverage offering financial protection to car owners whose car gets damaged during such events.
Injury caused to passenger and third-party in an accident	Personal Accident coverage covers medical expenses, hospitalisation fees, etc, for passengers and third parties.

 

Bottom line

If you have reached the end of this article, it means you are serious about the Holy Week holiday plan. Now, it is very important that you meticulously prepare your four-wheeled companion for the upcoming adventure. In addition, you must practice safe driving practices, get proper insurance coverage, and be prepared for emergencies, thus ensuring a safe and fun journey.

Remember, all this will not only protect you, your loved ones, and the vehicle but will also contribute to the well-being of other road users.

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